Bloomberg journalist Annmarie Hordern and Dr. Ariel Cohen of the Atlantic Council discuss the death of Russian activist Alexey Navalny and the challenges of understanding Russia. They also explore the implications of Navalny's death for Putin and Russia, the escalating tensions between Russia and the West, and the need for restored deterrence in Europe.
Russian society is vast and diverse, making it challenging to comprehend the current state without independent journalism.
The murder of Alexei Navalny highlights the totalitarian tendencies of Putin's leadership and the need for Western countries to restore deterrence.
Deep dives
Understanding Russia's Complexity
Russia is a country with diverse subcultures and regions, with many people often associating it only with Moscow. However, it is crucial to recognize the vastness of Russia, its subcultures, and the historical influences from the former USSR. In today's context, independent journalism is limited, making it challenging to truly comprehend the current state of Russian society.
The Mystery Surrounding Alexei Navalny's Death
While it is widely believed that the Kremlin ordered the killing of Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader, there is currently no concrete evidence to support this claim. Navalny's deteriorating health, possibly due to his time in prison, adds complexity to the situation. Nevertheless, world leaders have heavily criticized the Kremlin, holding them responsible for previous attacks against Navalny. The truth about his death may remain elusive.
The Rising Danger and Escalation in Russia
Russia, under Putin's leadership, has increasingly exhibited totalitarian tendencies, and the murder of Navalny highlights the country's descent. Furthermore, there seems to be no prominent figure to replace Navalny in the Russian opposition. The danger extends beyond domestic issues, with Russia's actions suggesting a broader war may be on the horizon. It is crucial for Western countries to restore deterrence and recognize the similarities with the late 1930s, aiming to prevent the worst-case scenario from unfolding in Europe.
Bloomberg's Tom Keene and Paul Sweeney discuss how US and European leaders decried the death of Russian activist Alexey Navalny, with many placing responsibility squarely on the Kremlin for the passing of President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent domestic political opponent.
They speak with Bloomberg's Annmarie Hordern and Dr. Ariel Cohen of the Atlantic Council