Navalny Book Summary - Navalny Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

Navalny summary

Jan Matti Dollbaum Morvan Lallouet Ben Noble

Putin's Nemesis, Russia's Future?

4.4 (293 ratings)
20 mins

Brief summary

'Navalny' by 'Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet and Ben Noble' is the first English-language biography of the charismatic Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny.

Table of Contents

    Navalny
    Summary of 6 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    Key idea 1 of 6

    For two decades, Alexei Navalny has shaken up the complex world of Russian politics.

    Sunday, January 17, 2021. Alexei Navalny is departing Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport en route back to his home country of Russia. On board, an inquisitive journalist leans in and asks, “Aren’t you afraid?”

    Of course, the 44-year-old politician has reason to be wary. Just months earlier, Navalny had become deathly ill in what many suspect was an intentional poisoning conducted at the behest of the Kremlin. And when he finally touches down in Moscow, he’s likely to be detained by the Russian police.

    Still, Navalny presents an air of quiet optimism. He’s spent years pushing for political reform in his country, and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.

    The key message here is: For two decades, Alexei Navalny has shaken up the complex world of Russian politics. 

    Alexei Navalny was born on June 4, 1976 in the village of Butyn, a small hamlet on the western outskirts of Moscow. 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.

    By the beginning of the new millennium, Navalny was wealthy and well-connected, and he began cultivating a public persona in the world of politics. Since then, he’s presented himself as a practical, no-nonsense family man who has straddled the line between progressive and nationalist politics. While he espouses an array of liberal views, such as support for same-sex marriage, he also takes more conservative stances on issues like immigration. 

    For the past two decades, Navalny has constantly agitated for change in Russia’s notoriously complex political arena. 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. 

    Want more?
    Read or listen to the key ideas
    from 7,500+ titles

    Key ideas in Navalny

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Navalny about?

    Navalny (2021) is an in-depth look at the life and politics of Russian politician Alexei Navalny. This biography details how Navalny rose to prominence and what plans he has for Russia’s future.

    Navalny Review

    Navalny (2022) delves into the life and work of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, bringing to light his activism and the challenges he has faced. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • Through detailed research and interviews, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of Navalny's fight against corruption and his impact on Russian politics.
    • It provides insightful analysis into the socio-political landscape of Russia, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of the country's political system.
    • With its engaging narrative and firsthand accounts, the book captures the reader's attention, showcasing the bravery and resilience of Navalny in the face of adversity.

    Who should read Navalny?

    • Outsiders seeking to understand life in Russia 
    • Political thinkers keen to grasp the concept of power in a post-USSR world
    • All those invested in the future of world governance

    About the Author

    Jan Matti Dollbaum is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in Russian society. He studies at Bremen University. 

    Morvan Lallouet is a PhD researcher investigating Russian politics at University of Kent.

    Ben Noble is Lecturer in Russian Politics at University College London. His work focuses on the intersection of authoritarianism, legislative politics, and comparative politics in contemporary Russian life.

    Categories with Navalny

    Book summaries like Navalny

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    33 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Navalny FAQs 

    What is the main message of Navalny?

    The main message of Navalny is an examination of Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption efforts and his impact on Russian politics.

    How long does it take to read Navalny?

    The reading time for Navalny varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Navalny a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Navalny is a compelling read that sheds light on the role of activism and corruption in Russian politics. It is definitely worth diving into for those interested in the subject matter.

    Who is the author of Navalny?

    The author of Navalny is Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet, and Ben Noble.

    What is the main message of Navalny?

    The main message of Navalny is a call for political reform and the fight against corruption in Russia.

    How long does it take to read Navalny?

    Reading Navalny takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Navalny a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Navalny is worth reading for its powerful portrayal of political activism and the challenges faced by an influential opposition figure.

    Who is the author of Navalny?

    The author of Navalny is Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet, and Ben Noble.

    What to read after Navalny?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Navalny, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Russian Roulette by Michael Isikoff and David Corn
    • American Kompromat by Craig Unger
    • Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
    • The Power of When by Michael Breus
    • World Order by Henry Kissinger
    • The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • Chernobyl by Serhii Plokhy
    • 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness by Jim Rohn
    • The Future Is History by Masha Gessen