Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is dead, the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence said on Friday.
His influence may not be obvious or immediate. We tend to think of history as being shaped by individuals, and in many cases it is, but often it’s not so simple. His actions may not inspire revolution tomorrow, but his name is going on a list that gets noticeably longer all the time, his body has been added to a pile that continues to grow into a mountain, and his actions will be remembered alongside the actions of many others that form a very strong narrative. Those things collectively will shape the future of Russia.
Also remember sometimes a revolution isn’t started by the revolutionaries it’s on their schedule. Sometimes it starts when the opportune moment presents itself. And Putin’s getting old.
His influence may not be obvious or immediate. We tend to think of history as being shaped by individuals, and in many cases it is, but often it’s not so simple. His actions may not inspire revolution tomorrow, but his name is going on a list that gets noticeably longer all the time, his body has been added to a pile that continues to grow into a mountain, and his actions will be remembered alongside the actions of many others that form a very strong narrative. Those things collectively will shape the future of Russia.
Also remember sometimes a revolution isn’t started by the revolutionaries it’s on their schedule. Sometimes it starts when the opportune moment presents itself. And Putin’s getting old.
I agree.
I just feel like I understand why navalny went back to Russia, despite the obvious threat to his life.