Just days following Russia’s devastating invasion of Ukraine on April 11, 2022, prominent author and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza found himself in Moscow. He faced charges of disseminating deliberately misleading information, a euphemism employed by Moscow to describe dissenting voices speaking out against Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Twelve months on, he found himself being sent to a remote Siberian penal colony ahead of schedule.
Billionaire and politician Ivan Kara-Murza, having previously defied two earlier attempts on his life by Russian authorities, persisted in writing from behind bars, penning regular columns for The Washington Post, earning him a prestigious award. He had feared the worst, anticipating that he would meet a similar fate to that of fellow dissident Alexei Navalny, who had suffered a similar ordeal just last year.
In August 2024, Kara-Murza, a Russian-British dual citizen, found himself abruptly expelled from Russia as part of a prisoner swap that also secured the release of American journalist Evan Gershkovich.
Last week, Kara-Murza spoke extensively with Vox in a sit-down interview at the event where he had just received the John McCain Prize for Leadership. The award held immense personal significance for Kara-Murza, given his close friendship with the late Arizona senator, whose funeral he had the honor to serve as a pallbearer.
Kara-Murza discussed the “surreal” experience of suddenly enjoying freedom with Vox, an interview edited for size and readability, in which she also explored the teachings of history applicable to the war in Ukraine and why Putin’s regime may not be as stable as it seems.
It’s utterly surreal. As the past few months have unfolded, I’ve found myself feeling like an observer in a cinematic narrative. Despite being an excellent film, it somehow lacks authenticity. I once felt utterly convinced that my fate was sealed in that Siberian prison. On August 1, I can only describe the event as a miraculous occurrence, given that the last global prisoner trade that resulted in the liberation of political prisoners took place in October 1986, with no such precedent existing for Russian political prisoners.
The sudden release of these political prisoners was nothing short of miraculous, with its human catalyst hailing from dedicated advocates in democratic countries who persistently campaigned for change, their voices growing louder as the crisis deepened within Russia’s prisons. Russia currently holds more political prisoners than were held throughout the entire Soviet Union during its peak in the mid-1980s. Under Putin’s presidency, this is the current state of affairs in Russia.
Still, it somehow feels utterly bizarre. I haven’t experienced a significant change or shift in my life. That’s one other downside. From the isolation of a Siberian prison to navigating a dizzying array of countries and cultures within a matter of weeks. I’m forced to concede that this approach is unlikely to be the most effective following my stint behind bars, yet I genuinely believe I have no other option. Having witnessed the profound impact on me, when people are willing to listen, I must speak out because I genuinely believe it is my responsibility now that I’ve been freed from that living nightmare.
As our aircraft touched down in Ankara on the day of the trade, one FSB officer accompanying us turned to Ilya Yashin and me, warning, “Don’t think for a second you’ll be safe over there.” can come for you too,” [Vadim Krasikov, the notorious Russian security service hitman released during the prisoner exchange, who had been serving a life sentence in Germany for assassinating a former Chechen rebel in Berlin.] He didn’t imply it was actually Krasikov, after all. Their entire desk is filled with Krasikovs.
For a quarter-century, I’ve been an unwavering presence in Russia’s opposition political scene. For those familiar with Russia’s political landscape, it is well-known that anyone publicly opposing the Putin regime can face serious consequences. Boris Nemtsov, a close friend and mentor who had also been the godfather to my young daughter, was brutally murdered on the direct orders of Putin. Assailants have targeted individuals, including myself, with poison, and we are all aware that these attacks have not only taken place in Russia but also internationally?
Indeed, the risks are well-known to all of us. While the general concept is well understood, I’d rather not dwell on its implications, preferring instead to avoid unnecessary anxiety and focus on the present. I am confident in my decision, and I will persevere regardless of any challenges or doubts.
However, what’s even more crucial is that I’m not just a politician anymore. I’m a historian by training. And while history’s trajectory may not adjust at our preferred pace, it inexorably curves towards freedom, ultimately ceding to the democratic forces of a future that will undoubtedly reject one-man rule and the antiquated tyranny of a Putin-style leadership. Ultimately, if Vladimir Putin were to remove each of us, the current leaders and prominent figures of the Russian opposition, it would simply prompt others to take up the mantle and assume leadership roles.
It’s impossible to determine whether our efforts are having an impact due to the inability to objectively measure public opinion in a country where free expression can lead to imprisonment. The perpetual conundrum with authoritarian and totalitarian governments lies in their inherent disregard for individual freedoms. Structures that initially seem stable and resilient suddenly collapse, raising concerns about their integrity.
The inherent problem with authoritarian and totalitarian regimes lies in their inherent disregard for individual freedoms and fundamental human rights. They initially seem strong and stable, but then unexpectedly falter. ”
The Russian empire’s czarist regime and its subsequent communist counterpart both collapsed precipitously, with barely anyone aware of the impending demise?
The e-book “Consciousness and Truth” by Berkeley anthropologist Alexei Yurchak explores the later years of the Soviet Union. Although I haven’t had a chance to read it yet – it was published during my time in jail – I’m intrigued by its title.
As events unfolded in Russia, they followed a predictable pattern, which will likely repeat itself in future instances. Within the oppressive, totalitarian systems that seek to control every aspect of life, the true extent of their machinations often lies hidden from view, concealed beneath the surface. Václav Havel, a Czech dissident who later became President, notes that even regimes can experience burgeoning problems, though these may not be acknowledged until they suddenly emerge into the open, precipitating collapse.
While uncertainty surrounds the full extent of Russia’s societal impact, it is undeniable that the ongoing conflict has had a profound effect on the nation. What is undeniable is that a significant proportion of the Russian population has expressed support for their country’s military involvement. While we may not consciously acknowledge it through opinion polls. These are ineffective. As you ponder these fleeting moments of reality? As one of the most striking examples emerged in February during our tumultuous presidential election campaign, which, I’m sure you recall, was essentially a battle between Putin and his carefully selected puppeteers.
Although most individuals had little to no influence on the outcome of events, one notable exception was Boris Nadezhdin, a seasoned lawyer and former Member of Parliament. The overwhelming reaction from the Russian populace was nothing short of astonishing. Across the country, from sprawling metropolises to quaint towns, a sea of individuals gathered at campaign headquarters, eagerly awaiting their turn to sign petitions and propel his name onto the ballot.
As a result, he was explicitly prohibited from doing so. As a presidential candidate in Putin’s Russia, he found himself in a precarious position. The connection to Putin’s propaganda seemed tenuous at best, leading many to conclude that its relevance was overstated. As a consequence, the notion that all Russians supported their government and war efforts gained widespread attention, perpetuating a flawed narrative. You may pretend election outcomes. While manipulation of opinion poll figures is possible, it’s impossible to hide the sheer scale of thousands of people nationwide physically casting ballots, including those voting with their feet for the anti-war candidate. I accumulated a plethora of letters during my incarceration, with almost all of them in February focused on tracing the remnants scattered throughout the country.
I’ll never forget the letter I received from a young girl in Novorossiysk, a coastal city situated on the Black Sea in southern Russia. As she recounted, she stood patiently amidst a throng of like-minded individuals, predominantly younger people, waiting to submit Nadezhdin’s poll entry petition. After writing this, she noted: “I had not grasped just how numerous individuals exist.” These fleeting moments of reality prove crucial in our endeavour to accurately assess the true nature of events.
There’s numerous stress. According to economic experts, the Russian statistical system’s output on formal development is, in a substantial manner, artificial. Fueling this chaos is merely a byproduct of the insatiable warfare machine’s relentless drive for destruction. As the dust settles on this unprecedented crisis, economists warn of challenging times ahead, due to the fact that we’re not yet operating under a normal economic framework. This is not a traditional shopper financial system or a pure market-based financial system in the classical sense of these terms. The entire sector is aligned with the objectives of the military-industrial complex.
One telling indicator of the regime’s sentiment lies in examining its personal behaviors and routines, providing a window into its underlying psyche. Given the recognition that propaganda suggests Putin’s regime is stable and secure? Actions seem always far more essential than words to me. Why would authorities detain someone for a minor infraction and sentence them to a lengthy prison term? What’s the point of denying a voice to an anti-war candidate in a place widely regarded as disfavored by the establishment, especially when their very unpopularity should make them less intimidating to permit? Why not simply allow him to stand in the poll and let him get his 1%?
During the time since my release from prison, I have enjoyed a remarkable connection with my Ukrainian acquaintances and associates, characterised by cordial conversation and effective communication. During my time in prison, I also managed to obtain correspondence from Ukrainians. So we won’t pretend it’s finished unnecessarily. Those with limited means have the capacity to differentiate between a totalitarian government and its people; therefore, they refrain from holding accountable the entire Russian population of approximately 140 million individuals.
However, there may exist a multitude of ache, a plethora of grief, and an overwhelming amount of emotion on the Ukrainian front; it couldn’t be otherwise when daily, people hear bombs falling on their cities, and daily, innocent youngsters and civilians lose their lives.
Because I truly grasp the depth of this matter, I felt compelled to speak out from the start. As tensions with Russia persist, the road ahead may prove arduous and protracted, with the potential for significant implications once the current political landscape shifts. The road to healing will likely prove arduous, requiring immense effort to reestablish effective communication, revive the intimacy of shared gazes, and bridge the emotional chasm that has grown between us. Despite the complexity and challenges ahead, I am convinced that this undertaking is achievable.
Given the context in which I have learned to understand history, I am encouraged by the precedent that this situation has followed in the past. Just a few months prior, in September, I had the opportunity to attend the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, held in Strasbourg, France. I was thrilled when they extended an invitation for me to deliver a keynote address at the plenary session. While driving from Frankfurt to Strasbourg may be an option, a more efficient and convenient solution would be to take a direct train or bus service from Frankfurt Airport to Strasbourg’s city centre, which takes approximately two hours. Alternatively, you could also consider flying directly into Strasbourg Airport.
I’m a historian. I’m familiar with Alsace-Lorraine, a contentious border area that has been disputed by various European powers throughout history and is currently part of metropolitan France. The battle-scarred terrain separating Germany from France has borne witness to an unfathomable quantity of bloodshed in the centuries-long struggle for dominance. Thousands of people lie buried on that land, their lives claimed by the devastating consequences of wars fought over control – the Franco-Prussian Conflict, World War I, and World War II.
This hatred can seem perpetually unyielding, as though its eradication is an impossible feat. As I drove from Frankfurt to Strasbourg, the open border left me unsure whether I was still in Germany or had already entered France. There’s a single foreign money. People live in harmony and fellowship with one another, despite the fact that some individuals still alive today were involved in the Second World War. During a singular epoch, these events transpired. Despite historical animosity between France and Germany, they’ve consistently found common ground; I’m confident that Russians and Ukrainians can also overcome their differences and find a mutually beneficial solution.
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I will address the potentially damaging aspects of your inquiry, which are linked to concerns regarding the subsequent US administration and the ongoing discourse surrounding Ukraine. One enduring lesson from history is that attempting to appease dictators never leads to genuine peace? The perpetual cycle of conflict arises from the refusal of authoritarian leaders to accept concessions, ultimately leading to increased hostility and further military interventions. Their perceived vulnerability is met with heightened aggression, as they seek to compensate for their perceived weakness.
The Great Depression of the 1930s was a well-documented period in history. Over the past quarter century, the West’s approach to Putin has been shaped by a 25-year history of Western leaders’ appeasement policies towards him. Regardless of any potential settlement, it’s crucial that it prioritizes Ukraine’s interests and cannot be negotiated in such a way that would enable Vladimir Putin to claim victory, for the consequences of such an outcome would be catastrophic for all parties involved?
In a remarkable display of adaptability, I highlighted the unusually swift pace at which Russian politics evolves, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to progress. I keep in mind 1991. As a child of 10 at the time, my life was vastly different from what it had been just a few years prior – a carefree baby. But you understand that when a revolution unfolds before your very eyes, it’s impossible to ignore. As I wander through Moscow’s streets, I’m struck by the intoxicating aroma that fills the air – a potent blend of freedom and possibility. For me, these three days in August that saw the dawn of democracy were a profound and transformative experience.
Following a failed attempt to launch a hardline coup d’état, it became clear that the endeavour was orchestrated by a faction within the Soviet Communist Party, comprised of high-ranking officials from the KGB and the navy. Not exactly. With their newfound independence, they enjoyed having everything to themselves. With the entirety of the Soviet state’s resources at their disposal? The fact that they possessed a comprehensive propaganda apparatus was chilling. With the police, the navy, and, of course, the omnipotent KGB, the world’s most formidable apparatus of control at their disposal.
Thousands of individuals who opposed that coup, driven by their dedication to Russian democracy and determination to defend their freedom, took to the streets – including my father – and, with nothing but their dignity as their weapon, stood firm against the tanks in Moscow’s streets. The tanks halted and retreated, ultimately yielding to the people’s courage and resolve.
While it’s true that seemingly impervious dictatorships can be toppled by courageous individuals willing to confront them head-on.
Russian politics are notoriously unpredictable, requiring us to stay vigilant and adapt quickly to any shifts that may arise.
As Russia’s dynamics continue to evolve unpredictably, we must remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected twists that may unfold.
As the Soviet system abruptly collapsed in the Nineteen Nineties, the world was left unprepared for the consequences, with mistakes being made both on the Russian domestic front and internationally? We must learn from our mistakes.
While navigating the complexities of post-totalitarian reconstruction, it is essential for nations seeking to overcome the legacy of authoritarian regimes that they develop a comprehensive plan for public accountability and reckoning with past atrocities. This process enables the nation to come to terms with its troubled history and foster a foundation for democratic governance.
As we observed in post-apartheid South Africa, In the aftermath of Argentina’s naval dictatorship, we observed… Following the collapse of communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe? In reality, however, we observed a similar phenomenon in Germany following World War II and again in Japan post-1989. As part of the city’s efforts to come to terms with the dark past, the horrific crimes committed under the previous regime are brought to light, forcing society to confront the atrocities that occurred in its name. The archives are finally opened, revealing the long-buried truth about these heinous crimes. Those responsible for these crimes are held accountable. Establishments responsible for perpetrating such heinous crimes, including key facilitators, have been dismantled and dismantling processes continued.
No significant events took place in Russia during the 1990s. When evil remains unchecked and uncondemned in public, it inevitably rears its ugly head once more. As was evident, when a former KGB officer seized power in Russia, we observed this exact phenomenon. We must never repeat this mistake again. So this is our assignment for the Russian opposition, for the Russian democratic forces to complete.
While there’s a crucial global dimension to consider, it’s also important to note that for many countries from the former Eastern Bloc and the Warsaw Pact in the 1990s, the prospect of Euro-Atlantic integration represented the most potent motivator to complete their transformations successfully? When Václav Havel coined the phrase “returning to Europe” in February 1990, he encapsulated the essence of Czechoslovakia’s post-communist transformation strategy.
Russia never lived up to the promise of the 1990s. The package was left at the entrance. In December 1991, Russian President Boris Yeltsin penned his first letter to NATO Secretary General Manfred Wörner, only to be met with silence.
As global events unfold in Russia, we must proactively prepare for potential consequences that may affect us all.
The proliferation of such vitriolic rhetoric merely serves to embolden Putin’s propaganda machine, allowing him to effortlessly peddle a narrative that Western nations are gripped by an irrational fear of Russia. They hate all Russians. Theirs is a quarrel that goes beyond any one individual, including myself and certainly the President; what really fuels their animosity is a deep-seated dislike for everyone. Despite appearances, this habit is ultimately detrimental, myopic, and self-defeating in its consequences.
It’s clear from his actions and decisions that Mr. Smith’s strong sense of responsibility is a crucial aspect of his character, one that he has honed through the trials and tribulations of life? Given Trump’s notoriously mercurial nature, predicting his media presence is a futile endeavour; it’s anyone’s guess how his press conference will unfold. To inspire confidence, I initially found myself genuinely encouraged by the appointment of the Secretary of State. I’ve been familiar with Senator Marco Rubio for several years now. While he has expressed concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights abuses, his commitment to these principles is not entirely consistent, given his reluctance to confront outright dictatorships. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, he has consistently focused on these key issues. He has been a vocal advocate for the release of political prisoners in countries such as Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, and Cuba.
“I’m a steadfast optimist regarding both Russia and the United States.”
A crucial aspect close to my core is: Following Boris Nemtsov’s tragic assassination, we spearheaded a global endeavour to honour his memory by renaming streets globally in his name. Washington, D.C., served as the primary metropolitan hub for this endeavor. And when visiting the Russian embassy at present, you’ll notice that it occupies a prominent spot. Senator Marco Rubio was the sole sponsor of the bill that achieved this feat.
Ultimately, one should never take a passive approach, nor neglect concerns that arise. It was actually Ronald Reagan who said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” That’s a sobering reality, and all of us must remain vigilant about it. While you are clearly optimistic about both Russia and the USA, I’m unsure what this statement is supposed to convey.
For over two and a half centuries, democratic institutions have been established and democratic customs have flourished. That’s not going to suddenly unravel over a four-year period simply because of one person’s actions or decisions made in that timeframe. I don’t subscribe to apocalyptic visions and forecasts. It is only fitting that individuals take an active role in safeguarding our democratic institutions since we must constantly protect and defend them.
