Love, Loss, and Leviathan: Navalny’s Legacy in Putin’s Russia

The tragic death of Alexei Navalny was unsurprising yet still shocking. For years, opponents of Vladimir Putin’s oppressive regime have mysteriously perished. Navalny’s murder simply confirms Russia is a lawless crime syndicate masquerading as a nation.

In contrast to Putin’s brutality, Navalny embodied love for Russia. He courageously returned home after an assassination attempt, sacrificing his freedom to challenge the corruption destroying his country. Unlike Western Putin apologists who portray him as an anti-woke hero, Navalny fought for Russia itself, not Putin’s interests.

Tragically, it is unclear if Mother Russia loved Navalny in return. Putin draws an 85% approval rating, with many Russians supporting his cruelty, not despite it. When Putin gassed hundreds of hostages to death during the 2002 Moscow theater siege, crowds roared approval for decisive action. Since then, Putin has eliminated dissent and normalized repression. Navalny’s democratic dream relies on Putin’s removal, yet even that provides no guarantees.

Navalny’s fate became a flashpoint in Moscow’s relations with the West. President Biden warned of consequences if Navalny died in prison. But after Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine, Navalny’s plight paled against Europe’s biggest war since 1945.

With opposition crushed at home and supporters exiled abroad, Navalny’s influence dwindled. His call from prison to cede all Ukrainian territory and pay reparations won little support. Western sanctions and military aid, not protests, now challenge Putin’s aggression.

In life, Navalny bravely forced Russians to confront the regime’s corruption. In death, he personifies the era’s end when politics remained possible in Russia. Only Putin’s singular authoritarianism remains. Navalny loved Russia fiercely. Tragically, as Putin’s brutal rule suggests, it is unclear if Russia loved him back.