Mikhail Khodorkovsky on the stark lessons from Russia’s wild weekend
It will take armed insurrection—by democrats—to transform the country for the better, says the former political prisoner
YEVGENY PRIGOZHIN’S attempted coup was, despite its failure, a seismic moment for Russia, laying bare President Vladmir Putin’s vulnerability. As the mutiny unfolded, I suggested that Russia’s democratic anti-war opposition should welcome the opportunity that it presented, not because Mr Prigozhin is our friend or ally—a thug and war criminal, he is anything but—but because Mr Putin’s fall can only be brought about by force.
More from By Invitation
Trumpism is becoming more pragmatic, argues Reihan Salam
But not all of the incoming president’s backers buy it
Time is not on Russia’s side, argues Finland’s foreign minister
Elina Valtonen calls for a lower oil-price cap and tougher measures against Russia’s shadow fleet
Oriana Skylar Mastro makes a case for paring America’s nukes
The political scientist explains why beefing up is bad China strategy
A new Iranian approach to regional security and prosperity, by M. Javad Zarif
Iran’s vice-president on how his country can make the region more secure and prosperous
America’s debt cannot keep stacking up, says Jeffrey Gundlach
The “King of Bonds” sees the risk of a debt restructuring with global repercussions
South Korea’s crisis highlights both fragility and resilience, writes Wi Sung-lac
The country is deeply polarised, but its living memory of military rule strengthens its commitment to democracy