The Future of the Russian Opposition
Join us for a conversation on the future of Russia's opposition movement and the challenges Russian activists are facing.
Feb
20
Darko Vojinovic / AP
About This Event
One year after the death of Aleksei Navalny, many of Russia’s opposition leaders remain in exile or imprisoned, leaving the future of Russia’s opposition movement uncertain. Are there leaders in Russia poised to continue the work of Boris Nemtsov, Aleksei Navalny, and others, or will the opposition struggle to find new voices in the face of increasing repression? Could a pro-democracy movement take hold in Russia, or will Russians’ widespread support for Putin continue to stifle meaningful political change? Join us for a discussion on the challenges facing Russia’s political opposition and what it means for the country’s future.
About the Speakers
Natalia Pelevina
Russian Political Opposition Activist
Natalia Pelevina is a Russian opposition activist, investigative journalist, and protest artist. She worked closely with opposition leader Boris Nemtsov until his assassination, focusing on exposing corruption and organizing political campaigns and protests. She now continues her activism in exile.
John Dewey Distinguished Service Professor, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago
Konstantin Sonin is the John Dewey Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, where his research focuses on political economics, conflict, development, and economic theory. In addition to his academic work, Sonin writes columns, op-eds, and a blog on Russian political and economic issues.
Vice President, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
Dina Smeltz, a polling expert, has more than 25 years of experience designing and fielding international social and political surveys. Prior to joining the Council to lead its annual survey of American attitudes on US foreign policy, she served in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research at the US State Department's Office of Research from 1992 to 2008.