The quick rise of Yulia Navalnaya in Russian politics closely mirrors the story of other female politicians who gain prominence after their husbands or fathers are no longer able to lead.
Most of Vladimir Putin’s opponents are either dead, in jail or in exile. But it might just be ordinary people who can take over the battle for democracy in Russia.
In opinion polls over the past two decades, she’s routinely selected as one of the most popular Russians – often appearing second only to Vladimir Putin.
The Russian diaspora has mostly been careful about overtly criticizing Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Does that imply support, or fear of Russian retribution?
Nayan Shah, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The power of the hunger strike lies in its utter simplicity. Anyone can choose to forego eating, even when living under extremely restricted conditions.
There’s not much the world can do to stop authoritarian rulers from persecuting their political opponents, as shown by the standoff over Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who is ill and imprisoned.
Poisoning Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny didn’t get rid of him. He survived the attack, and now the Kremlin must deal with a reinvigorated reform movement led by Navalny.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, gravely ill from a suspected poisoning, brought a new type of opposition to Russia in tune with popular concerns and aimed at finding common ground.
Professor, International Relations and Political Science, University of Toronto and Associate of the Davis Center Harvard University, University of Toronto