Putin, Navalny, and Russian Democracy - Between means and ends

Opinion Analysis by Gaia Bchara, Featured Writer

Alexei Navalny’s rise within Russia’s political scene has made headlines around the world. Navalny isa Russian anti-corruption, anti-Kremlin critic, activist, politician, and former presidential candidate. Most recently, Navalny scored himself a new title: prisoner. His imprisonment comes at the heels of an assassination attempt – allegedly mandated by Russian authorities – last December. Support of the Kremlin’s harshest critic have poured in since his poisoning. Although the authoritarian nature of Putin’s rule is undeniable, some scrutiny of Russia’s vigorous opposition leader is in order.