A misconception

According to Mark Adomanis at Forbes,

“While the idea of Russians as obsequious supporters of a “strong hand” is cliched, I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that most Russians will not react very positively to a movement that is seen throwing empty bottles, rocks, and asphalt at the police.”

Mark Adomanis seems to greatly underestimate the visceral dislike – even hatred – and contempt for police shared by the widest thinkable cross-section of the Russian populace. Once the protesters are seen as occasionally overcoming the riot police, popular support is only likely to strengthen. That kind of hatred-driven support would require a strong populist leader to harness.

The protesters’ problem is a lack of a clear political agenda, and of leaders capable of governing later, besides Navalny perhaps.

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