The Durability of Putin's International Admiration Post-Navalny

Despite the unsettling demise of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, a surprising cohort of global leaders persists in holding Russian President Vladimir Putin in high regard. The potential standard-bearers for the world’s three most populous democracies - India, the United States, and Indonesia - exhibit a resilience in their affinity for Putin that could shape the international political landscape moving forward.

In a striking display of loyalty to the Russian leader, Prabowo Subianto, fresh off his triumph in Indonesia's presidential race, incites trepidation among supporters of democracy. Parallels are drawn between Subianto and Putin, citing past allegations of human rights violations. This connection is further fueled by Subianto's proposed Ukraine peace settlement, which favored Russian objectives and mirrored the autocratic tendencies of his idol.

India's Narendra Modi maintains a seemingly pragmatic association with Putin, citing national interest and historical ties bolstered by military and economic bonds. Amidst muted critique of Putin and public sentiment swayed by anti-western and anti-colonial narratives, Modi's government faces criticism for suppressing political opposition akin to Putin's methods, undermining the foundational tenets of democracy.

Across the Indian Ocean, Donald Trump's silence on Navalny's death juxtaposed with President Joe Biden's direct accusation of Putin signifies a discord in the US narrative. Trump's long-standing non-confrontational stance towards Putin contrasts sharply with his domestic political fervor, hinting at genuine admiration rather than geopolitical strategy.

The global repercussions of admiration for Putin's governance model pose a serious question: should realpolitik override the condemnation of actions that defy the democratic values these nations are built upon? This dilemma is not unique to the political elite; it also resonates with their constituents, as seen in the case of Tucker Carlson's vocal adoration of Russian aesthetics over democratic principles.

The predicament faced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who similarly drew admiration from Putin's circle, suggests that the sheen of authoritarian governance eventually tarnishes in the eyes of the local populace. The fallout from the child sex abuse scandal indicates a limit to what can be obfuscated by nationalistic or infrastructural progress.

Navalny shed light on corruption and authoritarianism, ultimately paying the ultimate price. As elections loom and global politics continue to unfold, there is a fervent call for Putin's international proponents to reassess their stances, giving due regard to the harsh truths that Navalny unveiled, before the resoluteness of their allegiance yields irreversible consequences.