Alexey Navalny was a nationalist who loved Russia. In fact, he loved his country so much that he was willing to give his life for it. Navalny’s dedication is easy to understand, as who wouldn’t be concerned if their own country were under the control of a dictator?
However, few would be willing to do the same as Navalny. It is always easier to go along with the crowd and simply accept everything dictated from above. It is also safer when telling the truth can have unpleasant consequences.
In a tightly controlled society, the majority of the population is always in the role of bystanders. Only a few dare to rise up against control. Some, on the other hand, begin to support control, as has happened in Russia. Especially young influencers have emerged in the public eye, speaking in favor of Putin. Examples include gymnast Nikita Nagornyi and figure skater Kamila Valijeva, both caught up in doping scandals.
Putin relies on propaganda, lies, corruption, withholding information, and deception to stay in power.
When does nationalism become a problem?
One thing that Navalny and Putin have in common is that they both see themselves as nationalists. In Navalny’s case, however, nationalism is genuine love for the people. In Putin’s case, nationalism is merely a tool he uses to boast his own superiority.
There are many types of nationalism. There is healthy nationalism, and then there is unhealthy nationalism that is not based on genuine care. Any -ism becomes harmful when taken to extremes.
In Navalny’s case, he loved Russia so much that he wanted to free the people from dictatorship. Navalny’s nationalism evolved into healthy patriotism. Putin, on the other hand, advocates aggressive nationalism, which could be described as ultra-nationalistic.
Was Navalny’s nationalism a problem?
Navalny’s nationalism was not and will not be a problem. It is true that Navalny has made extreme nationalist statements in the past, but he will not be remembered for those statements. He is remembered for being a counterforce to Putin. Navalny loved his people so much that he wanted to make Russia a democracy.
When discussing Navalny’s nationalism, it is worth noting that Putin’s propaganda has been mixed in. Navalny’s actions have been distorted and taken out of context.
In 2015, Navalny gave an interview to Polish journalist Adam Michnik. Quoting Navalny directly:
”My idea is that we must communicate with nationalists and educate them. Many Russian nationalists do not have a clear ideology. They only have a sense of general injustice, which they respond to with hatred towards people of different colors and backgrounds. I believe it is really important to explain to them that beating up immigrants is not a solution to illegal immigration. The solution would be to return to free elections, so that we can get rid of the thieves and crooks who get rich from illegal immigration.”
Alexey Navalny
Does it matter that Navalny was a nationalist? Of course it does! In his final years, Navalny showed what genuine love for one’s own people and other peoples should be like.
Sources:
The New Yorker: The Evolution of Alexey Navalny´s Nationalism
