Navalny: Putin's Nemesis, Russia's Future?

by Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet, Ben Noble

A fascinating account of Russia's famous dissident and the politics he embodies.

Who is Alexei Navalny? Poisoned in August 2020 and transported to Germany for treatment, the politician returned to Russia in January 2021 in the full glare of the world media. His immediate detention at passport control set the stage for an explosive showdown with Vladimir Putin.

But Navalny means very different things to different people. To some, he is a democratic hero. To others, he is betraying the Motherland. To others still, he is a dangerous nationalist. This book explores the many dimensions of Navalny's political life, from his pioneering anti-corruption investigations to his ideas and leadership of a political movement. It also looks at how his activities and the Kremlin's strategies have shaped one another.

Navalny makes sense of this divisive character, revealing the contradictions of a man who is the second most important political figure in Russia--even when behind bars. In order to understand modern Russia, you need to understand Alexei Navalny.

Genres: Nonfiction, Russia, Politics, Biography, History, Audiobook

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Isis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended: While this book might not be suitable for everyone, and the formatting of the book gave me a hard time reading it, I do think it's important for people to read about the life of Navalny, his political career, his career as a dissident and the political landscape of 21st century Russia. Therefore, this deserves to be on my recommended list.

I'll give this 3.5 stars. This book was certainly interesting, and probably the only book around that sketches an image of Aleksey Navalny. The information provided was very extensive and provided me with an insight into the person Navalny, but also the Russian political system and landscape, the way the Kremlin makes it increasingly difficult for its opponents to gain power, and the Anti Corruption Foundation as a movement itself.

I can say that Navalny is certainly an interesting and charismatic figure, who, despite some questionable (nationalistic) viewpoints, is able to organise people despite their political beliefs. Navalny strategically positions himself in the political landscape that is constantly changing. He is the only alternative to the Putin regime, and all the people who took part in demonstrations seem to know that.

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An even handed biography about a political reformer and fight for freedom in recent history.

[Barbara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable, even if you know little about Russian politics.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Navalny is conscious that he is a symbol. And it's a crucial reason why he returned to Russia, even though he was well aware that he could end up in prison. When countless others put their future on the line, he could not remain outside of his homeland: 'In people's minds, if you left the country, that means you gave up.' He had to lead by example, from the front.

"But Navalny's significance is more than the actions of one person. His impact is also a result of his movement. Through anti-corruption, activism, political campaigning, and project organising, he has motivated thousands to take action - to overcome their fear that things cannot be changed or that change would result in chaos, much like the 1990s. Even for some of those who don't support Navalny personally, they have joined protests to express their anger and frustration.

"Navalny's current fate is in the hands of the elite he has consistently exposed and criticised. But, regardless of Navalny's own future - whether he will return to politics, remain behind bars, or worse - the people he has brought into activism will continue to rally for change, although facing ever more repression."

[Rui Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este livro debruça-se sobre aquele que foi um dos maiores opositores de Putin, Alexei Navalny.

Aqui, encontramos aquela que foi a ascenção política de Navalny, dos seus ideais e da mobilidade que marcou o trajeto político do mesmo.

Ficamos a perceber alguns projetos e posições de Navalny sobre vários assuntos. No entanto, a obra incide-se, de igual modo, nas táticas de comunicação utilizadas pelo mesmo para galvanizar o povo, de maneira a conquistar eleitorado.

O papel da internet para a proliferação da sua campanha, a legião que foi conquistando através do uso da tecnologia, as manifestações, o envenenamento mediático no ano da pandemia, a detenção polémica no aeroporto aquando do seu regresso ao país, as barreiras que se viu forçado a contornar, entre muitos outros aspetos.

O livro resume bem as dificuldades que, qualquer opositor, enfrenta para derrubar os poderes anexados ao e no Kremlin, ou tentar. Todavia, apesar de Navalny ser visto por muitos como um herói, também é visto como o oposto. Ou seja, apesar de tudo, a sua figura não reúne consensualidade, o que é demonstrativo das dificuldades de afirmação numa sociedade acorrentada a determinado comando e ideologia.

[Susan]

Rest in Peace Alexei Navalny. I hope your supporters continue with your work. You can kill the messenger but not the message ♥︎

[Wendelle]

Navalny has become an almost iconic figure in the political imagination, sometimes transformed into a smokescreen on which people can pin both their hopes and their suspicions. This book aims to reveal the man casting the larger-than-life shadow. It reveals his history of beliefs and supported policies, and aims to show who he is in all his talents and contradictions: a lawyer and businessman, an anti-corruption activist, a social media adept, a political strategist, a doer rather than a conceptualizer, a nationalist. It's a book from Oxford University Press on an influential figure of our time-- one who is a product of the structure of society in Russia that was ripe for such a contender, a product of the social media age where a skillful, creaive, witty blogger activist can organize and make an impact, but also a product of his own unique characteristics, beliefs and charm, who holds together a broad constellation of supporters who don't subscribe to all of his beliefs and positions but see him as the most plausible contender to Putin's grasp of Russian society.

[Bárbara Reis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Navalny não é uma figura consensual na Rússia, apesar de o ser no ocidente. Todo o seu percurso político e de ativista é marcado por altos e baixos, por opiniões no mínimo controversas e por ações mobilizadoras. Mas independentemente da opinião que possamos ter sobre ele, o que é certo é que agitou o panorama político russo e obrigou Putin a tomar medidas. Medidas essas que mostram o caminho que a Rússia realmente quer seguir, o caminho cada vez mais marcado pela repressão, corrupção e pela anulação de direitos humanos básicos. Nem sempre achei um livro organizado, a informação é muitas vezes mal apresentada, mas em muito pontos é essencial para percebermos como funciona a Rússia e os russos.

[Pieter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Navalny is an inspirational figure, certainly worthy of a biography. The book is well written and with less than 200 pages a quick read and not overly repetitive. Certainly a good read to get a better understanding of Russian politics, certainly for outsiders.

My only critique of the book is that in trying to remain "neutral" the authors too easily overstep the rigging of elections and attribute value to polling or election outcomes.

[Marius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hätte gern mehr über die Persönlichkeit und die Beweggründe erfahren. Letztendlich war es ne gute Biographie und man bekommt ein gutes Bild von Russland.

[Anca Ilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 istorici cercetători analizează personalitatea lui Navalnîi din mai multe perspective - activistul, politicianul, protestatarul, dar și omul Alexei Navalnîi.

[Gary Mallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish the story had a happier ending

[Dinis Valentim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um livro que nos leva a conhecer Alexei Navalny e o sistema russo.
Um pouco confuso na cronologia, mas bastante ilucidativo do que foi a vida política do protagonista

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

For nearly two decades, Russia has been thoroughly dominated by one man – Vladimir Putin. Yet, despite Putin’s iron grip on power, a new politician has proved to be a looming threat to Russia's current political order. His name is Alexei Navalny. (duh duh duhhhhh) Throughout his uneven political career, Navalny has sought to unseat Russia’s ruling party. As Navalny’s anti-corruption activities took off, so did his political career.

On paper, Russia is a democracy. The state regularly holds open elections, and many different political parties can put up candidates. However, in practice, the country falls short of these democratic practices – despite the alternatives on the ballot, the ruling party always wins when it counts.

Notes:
- Key message: For two decades, Alexei Navalny has shaken up the complex world of Russian politics. Personally I liked where Navalny used his wealth to launch a vast anti-corruption campaign. Navalny’s career as an anti-corruption activist began in 2006 with so-called shareholder activism. Navalny grew his movement into a lively activist and protest network.
- His mother was an accountant and his father a decorated officer in the Soviet Army. During his youth, Russia was still part of the Soviet Union, though the Navalny family weren’t supporters of the Soviet system. By the age of 17, Navalny had already identified himself as a political liberal, and when the USSR fell in 1991, he was optimistic. He hoped the rupture would usher in an economic system centered on a free-market and a political order beholden to democratic principles. Beginning in 1993, he studied law and economics at the People’s Friendship University of Russia and, after graduation, began a lucrative career in banking, stock trading, and real estate development.
- He’s earned a reputation as an idealistic anti-corruption activist, and, in 2012, he helped found Russia of the Future, a political party in opposition to Putin’s dominant Russia United party. Still, it’s difficult to distill Navalny’s personality and politics down to a simple narrative.
- Using leaked documents, Navalny found that Transneft, a major oil company, had mysteriously lost $4 billion when constructing the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean pipeline. The allegations kicked off a major government investigation. While the inquiry was eventually sidelined with little resolution, it nonetheless made elite corruption a major topic in Russian media discourse.
- One reason this movement became such a success was Navalny’s strategic outreach to regions and localities all around Russia. The campaign dedicated resources to opening offices wherever possible, and made efforts to connect with local organizers and activist groups already at work in each area. When government officials tried to hamper the movement by denying its protest permits, these seasoned organizers could help set up rallies and meetings in private locations.
- Putin’s party actively works to keep opposition like Navalny from power. (Back in 2020, Navalny had been mysteriously poisoned. After recovering in Germany, the politician and activist returned to Russia, where authorities detained him for violating the conditions of his parole stemming from the previous charges of embezzlement.)
- Navalny remains in prison, but his political movement will continue. While more than 75 percent of Russians recognize him by name, polls indicate that only about 19 percent enthusiastically support his activities. Alexei Navalny is perhaps Russia’s best-known political dissident.

[madi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible and informative book detailing the political and activist career of arguably the Kremlin’s largest political threat. The authors acutely chart Navalny’s transformation from a blogger to a leader of a national movement, with active support across Russia - and subsequently how quickly the Russian government tore this movement down following Navalny’s sentencing in 2021. Simultaneously, this book provides contextual insight into the political landscape of Russia, including speculations about its future. The final chapter of the new edition is a particularly chilling read, written after the invasion of Ukraine yet two years before Navalny’s death in prison.

Rest in peace Navalny.

[Lotta Yli-Hukkala · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jotenkin tökki! Rakenne oli hieman liian fragmentoitunut ja toistoa oli vähän liikaa.

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Challenged myself with this Blinkist book of the day

Listened to the audio

Not my usual choice but I ventured

[Nala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview of Navalny's political activism from the perspective of Russian policits

[Jay Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I really appreciate about Blinkest is that they allow books well outside my usual books which grows my worldview and understanding of books I'd like to read unabridged.

This book outlines the story of Navalny and his fight against Putin and the KGB. I'm amazed I haven't heard more about this.

I think being aware of this is very important for a well educated population.

* Listened via Blinkest at 2x

[Jelle Mostien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeer interessant boek over de enige man die keer op keer probeert het tij te doen keren in Rusland, maar ook voor mensen die inzicht willen krijgen in de dictatuur die Poetin Rusland heeft opgelegd in de voorbije jaren.

Meer dan ooit relevant als achtergrondduiding bij de recente oorlogsontwikkelingen.

[Stella Starlight]

Over de stijl van het boek: het is rechttoe-rechtaan, en literair totaal oninteressant. Maar daarvoor las ik dit boek dan ook niet. Ik weet nu meer over Navalny, zijn opkomst, de Russen, en het bijzondere regime dat het 140 miljoen Russen bespeelt en steeds fermer onder de knoet houdt.

In dit boek wordt aan de hand van drie invalshoeken (Navalny de anticorruptieactivist - Navalny de politicus - Navalny de demonstrant) op de vraag 'Wie is Aleksej Navalny' geprobeerd een compleet portret van Aleksei Navalny te schetsen om afsluitend antwoord te geven op de vraag of Navalny Poetins ondergang zal zijn, en vervolgens de toekomst(ige leider) van het Russische volk (zie de titel van dit boek).

We leren dat Navalny's activisme startte als anticorruptieactivist (nadat hij als minderheidsaandeelhouder geen toegang had tot informatie en een aandeel in de winst). Dit leidde tot zijn anticorruptieblogs, en dit online activisme zou uiteindelijk resulteren in een campagne voor de burgemeestersverkiezingen in Moskou in 2013. Daarop volgde de campagne voor de presidentsverkiezingen in 2018. Navalny wint niet maar de politieke rivaal van Poetin is here to stay.

We lezen over Navalny's drijfveren, zijn medestrijders en contacten, zijn uitdagingen en successen, en vooral over de hindernissen die de zittende macht elk keer voor hem en zijn bewegingen opwerpt.
Indrukwekkend in deze is zijn enorme flexibiliteit en het vermogen het grotere doel voor ogen te hebben en te houden. Concreet betekent dit dat Navalny héél goed Rusland en de Russen begrijpt en daarnaast blijk ervan geeft zijn geschiedenis te kennen waardoor hij inziet dat zijn strijd (en die van zijn medestanders, donateurs, medewerkers, medeburgers) er niet één is tussen iets als: links-rechts, liberaal-conservatief, vóór communisme, of tégen immigranten o.i.d., maar tussen de huidige autocratie en de beoogde democratie.

Een eyeopener voor mij was het inzicht dat er eerst überhaupt een democratie gerealiseerd moet zijn voordat de thema's die wij in ons land als linkse of rechtse thema's kunnen zien zelfs maar onderdeel van politiek debat kunnen zijn en daarmee een onlosmakelijk onderdeel van je partijprofiel.
In dat licht kun je als links georiënteerde lezer uit Nederland iets vinden van nationalistische uitspraken van Navalny maar ze toch anders beoordelen dan zulke uitspraken van politieke leiders in de democratische rechtszaak die Nederland is. Het laatste hoofdstuk beschouwt kort de namen die Aleksej Navalny in de afgelopen decennia toebedeeld kreeg: Luis in de Pels - Revolutionair? - Dictatoriale democraat? - Populist - Racist?
Zou het boek vandaag geschreven zijn dan was deze rij mogelijk afgesloten met 'Martelaar?'.

Dat Navalny na zijn vergiftiging en behandeling ervoor in Duitsland térugkeerde naar Poetins Rusland kan verschillende dingen betekenen: Navalny is grenzeloos toegewijd aan zijn heilige zaak, Navalny is boven alles Rus, Navalny is zich cognitief mogelijk wel bewust van zijn levensgevaar, maar niet wérkelijk. Misschien was Navalny een ongebruikelijke combinatie van dat alles: intelligentie, idealisme, charisma, vaderlandsliefde, ambitie, en de nodige dosis Ik Kan Nog Lang Niet Dood...?
Maar dat zijn mijn beschouwingen, nadat ik het boek dichtsloeg, en niet die van de drie auteurs van dit boek.

Het is vandaag 24 februari 2024, de dag waarop zijn dode lichaam is overgedragen aan zijn moeder. Navalny is teruggekeerd naar de vrouw uit wie hij voortkwam. Het is enorm verdrietig, en Poetin is een stap dichter bij een dictatuur.

We kunnen enkel voor de nabestaanden én het Russische volk hopen dat zijn dood, én de dood van velen zoals hem, uiteindelijk niet voor niets zal zijn geweest. Navalny wilde naast een democratisch Rusland vooral ook een gelukkig Rusland. Navalny's strijd tot aan zijn dood was dat de Russen daarover zelf mogen beslissen.
De kans op een a.s. revolutie, genaamd 'Navalny's Lente' - весна Навального- is niet waarschijnlijk. Maar je hoopt het stiekem toch.

[niepoczytalna .pl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alternatywa czy status quo?
Wojna za naszą wschodnią granicą zmusza do bliższego poznania sytuacji wewnętrznej w państwach naszych sąsiadów. Nadzieją napawa fakt, że zdecydowana większość krajów opowiada się za wystąpieniem przeciwko agresji Rosji, ale w tym samym czasie powinniśmy zastanowić się nad tym, co dalej? Jak rozłożą się strefy wpływów, kiedy Rosja oficjalnie poniesie klęskę? Czy obecna opozycja daje nadzieję na znormalizowanie relacji z Rosją? Czy Aleksiej Nawalny jest człowiekiem, który byłby w stanie zmienić swój kraj?

Autorzy biografii Nawalnego nie ukrywają, że jest to postać kontrowersyjna. Szczegółowo analizują jego działalność polityczną oraz rozwój poglądów na tle sytuacji w Rosji. Dollbaum, Lallouet i Noble zdają sobie sprawę z tego, że nie da się odpowiednio przestawić postaci Nawalnego bez wprowadzenia czytelników w rosyjskie realia, dlatego oprócz faktów z prywatnego życia naczelnego opozycjonisty sporą część książki zajmują opisy korupcji, usuwania przeciwników politycznych oraz codzienność przeciętnego Rosjanina.

Z Rosją jest tak – co możemy intensywniej obserwować od kilku miesięcy – że Rosja myśli jedno, mówi drugie i robi trzecie. Aleksiej Nawalny jest dzieckiem swojego narodu i w jego przypadku również nie da się jednoznacznie stwierdzić, które poglądy i postulaty faktycznie wynikają z jego przekonań, a które są głoszone w celu zwiększenia elektoratu. Autorzy biografii nie próbują go wybielać, przemilczać niektórych jego wypowiedzi, ale też sami są bezradni w próbie określenia prawdziwych poglądów Nawalnego.

Czy Aleksiej Nawalny jest patriotą? Jest, nie mam co do tego żadnych wątpliwości. Czy jest alternatywą dla Putina i nadzieją na polepszenie stosunków z Rosją? Nie jestem przekonana. Kreowany – również przez zachodnie media – na głównego przeciwnika Putina, jest mimo wszystko zbyt dużą zagadką, by można było w pełni ocenić, w jakim kierunku poszłyby jego rządy. Ale trzeba próbować zrozumieć i pozycja autorstwa Dollbauma, Lalloueta i Noble’a na pewno wszystkim zainteresowanym w tym pomoże. To kawał rzetelnej i ciekawie napisanej literatury faktu.

[Jung · Rating 1 out of 5]

Алексей Анатольевич Навальный

RIP Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny (4 June 1976 – 16 February 2024)

"Navalny: Putin's Nemesis, Russia's Future?" is a book that delves into the life and politics of Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent political activist and opposition leader. The book explores how Navalny has challenged Russia's current political order dominated by Vladimir Putin, and how he has sought to change the country.

The book begins by detailing Navalny's upbringing in the Soviet Union and his early political leanings toward liberalism. It discusses his successful business career in the 2000s and his transition into politics, where he became known for his anti-corruption activism. The book then explores Navalny's various political campaigns, including his efforts to run for president in 2018 and his use of protests and smart voting to challenge Putin's ruling party. It also discusses the challenges Navalny has faced, including an assassination attempt in 2020 and imprisonment on flimsy charges.

Despite these challenges, the book argues that Navalny's political career has had a lasting impact on Russia. It highlights how his activism has brought attention to the country's authoritarian practices and inspired a new generation of Russians to seek political change. The book concludes by suggesting that Navalny's legacy may continue to shape the future of Russian politics.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got around to watching Navalny, the documentary this weekend, and had to learn more about this imperfect, but immensely brave man. I, of course had heard about Navalny years before this, and really began following him like most people outside Russia after his poisoning in 08/2020. His return to Russia in 2021 was, I thought was the most insane thing he could do. I had been expecting to hear about his murder ever since then, but when the news finally came down this year, I was still so shocked. So sad for his wife and children and the lost potential.

I believed he could have been more useful to the dissident movement had he remained in exile, but also understand that he needed to be in Russia to have remained relevant…but at what cost? Was it worth it? I don’t know.

I do know that not too many people today would be willing to sacrifice themselves as he has done. And though it seems that he’s lost in the end, I believe he remains admired for the strength of his convictions.

This book delved into his evolution as a politician, a dissident and ultimately as a prisoner in a repressive regime. With Putin having been “elected” to a 5th term, I don’t hold out much hope for any real opposition movement to prevail in Russia.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Navalny is a significant figure in modern-day Russian history. Despite his controversial statements and views, he has given hope to many Russians that their country can be different and happy. The book provides a great insight into the ugly corruption, dictatorship, and ridiculousness of the Russian government. Although the book is written in a bizarre manner, jumping from one thing to another, it is still a valuable read for those interested in Russian politics. It’s incredibly sad that the country, so rich in history, nature, resources, and territory, is currently rotting under its leadership.

[Isobel Mohr · Rating 3 out of 5]

IVE BEEN ABSENT FROM GOOD READS FOR SO LONG. read this to contextualise things in my way too complicated and demanding russia course. interesting in that i knew barely anything about Nalvany before. let downs - chronologically it just isn’t. and considering i knew little on it before the jumping around made it a slower read. Also, it’s not very critical considering who he is. I know the point is he’s putin’s adversary but that doesn’t entail him being completely innocent which this book slightly tended towards. regardless, interesting

[MagazindeCarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte exceptionala, de neratat. Jurnalul celui mai acerb dizident rus de dupa 1991, cand s-a destramat URSS. Jurnal de opozant, de activist, de puscarias. Cartea relateaza parcursul lui Navalnii, din copilarie pana la incarcerarea in sistemul penitenciar rus.
Carte cu naratiune clasica, fascinanta prin detalii de culise din Rusia contemporana - tara subjugata de coruptie, totalitarism si lipsa drepturilor omului.
Chiar si critic citita, chiar si daca memoriile lui Navalnii sunt exagerate sau mistificate pe alocuri, cartea ramane un document istoric.

[Maxine Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexei Navalny is perhaps Russia’s best-known political dissident. After building a successful business career, he dedicated himself to anti-corruption activism. Eventually, his political passions led him to head a nationwide campaign to undermine the power of Putin’s ruling Russia United party. In 2020, his political career was hampered by an assassination attempt and imprisonment on flimsy charges, but the people he inspired may yet continue his work to transform Russia.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interessant om meer te weten over Navalny’s achtergrond en drijfveren. Het is geschreven vóór zijn dood, in de tegenwoordige tijd, dus dat is wel wat vreemd.
Je leest vragen als:
Is Putin bang voor Navaly?
Zal het Westen Navalny redden?
Zal Navalny het verschil kunnen maken voor de Russen?
Etc etc.
Dus het is wel heel wrang, met de kennis van nu.

[Til Trueson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der/Die Leser/in lernt vieles über die Person Nawalny. Angefangen mit kritischen Fragen bei Aktionärsversammlungen bis zu seinem bestehenden Protest während seines Aufenthalts in einem russischen Gefangenenlager. Gleichzeitig vermittelt das Buch der drei Politikwissenschaftler Wissen über Russland, wie es in der Autokratie dort zugeht.
Für mich aber ein wenig langatmig.