Sanctions, Solidarity, and the Soul of Russia: Navigating the Navalny Aftermath w/Leon Aron, AEI Senior Fellow

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this episode, the hosts delve into the complex world of Russian domestic and foreign policy with the return of Dr. Leon Aaron, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Dr. Aaron provides an expert analysis on the late Alexei Navalny, a figure who evolved from an anti-corruption crusader to a symbol of resistance against the Putin regime, culminating in his judicial murder. The discussion explores Navalny's impact, the conditions of his imprisonment, the boldness of his return to Russia, and the chilling environment of Russian prisons.The episode also touches on the broader implications of Navalny's activism, including the political climate in Russia, the use of sanctions, and the strategic maneuverings of Vladimir Putin on the international stage. Dr. Aaron offers a detailed examination of the current state of U.S.-Russia relations, the strategic importance of Ukraine, and the potential future scenarios that could unfold from this geopolitical chess game. Listeners will gain insight into the motivations behind Putin's actions, the impact of international sanctions, and the significance of supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts.Join us for a profound discussion that not only honors the memory of Alexei Navalny but also illuminates the stark realities of political opposition in Putin's Russia, the heroism of standing for truth, and the global importance of defending democratic values.Guest Bio:Leon Aron, who was born in Moscow and came to the United States as a refugee in 1978, is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He studies Russian domestic and foreign policy, US-Russia relations, and the economic, social, and cultural aspects of Russia’s post-Soviet evolution.From 2014 to 2020, Dr. Aron was a governor of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees the operations of several international broadcasting outlets, including Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. From 1990 to 2004, he was a panelist on Looking from America (Gliadya iz Ameriki), a weekly Voice of America Russian-language radio and television show. Dr. Aron has taught at Georgetown University and received the US Institute of Peace’s Peace Fellowship. In 2011-12 he was Co-chairman of the Russia Advisory Group of Governor Mitt Romney’s presidential election campaign. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast