FT’s Gideon Rachman: The strange loyalty of Putin’s global fan club

Despite hopes that the death of Alexei Navalny would isolate Vladimir Putin, recent events suggest otherwise. Admirers of the Russian leader, including potential leaders of the world's three largest democracies—India, the US, and Indonesia—may continue to treat him with respect. Prabowo Subianto's victory in Indonesia raises concerns of a Putin-style strongman, while Modi's pragmatic ties to Putin persist. Even Trump, a vocal Putin admirer, remains silent on Navalny's death. As global elections approach, it's crucial for Putin's foreign fan club to acknowledge the realities exposed by Navalny.

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By Gideon Rachman

Admirers of the Russian leader may soon lead the world's three largest democracies

It would be comforting to believe that the death of Alexei Navalny will finally make Vladimir Putin an international pariah. But recent history and current politics suggest otherwise. It is sadly likely that Russia's leader will continue to be treated with respect — and even admiration — in large parts of the world.

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