The fascinating life of the dissident facing up to the Kremlin: a one-man embodiment of politics in Putin's Russia.

Who is Alexei Navalny? Poisoned in August 2020 and transported to Germany for treatment, the politician returned to Russia in January 2021 in the full glare of the world media. His immediate detention at passport control set the stage for an explosive showdown with Vladimir Putin.

But Navalny means very different things to different people. To some, he is a democratic hero. To others, he is betraying the Motherland. To others still, he is a dangerous nationalist. This book explores the many dimensions of Navalny's political life, from his pioneering anti-corruption investigations to his ideas and leadership of a political movement. It also looks at how his activities and the Kremlin's strategies have shaped one another.

Navalnymakes sense of this divisive character, revealing the contradictions of a man who is the second most important political figure in Russia-even when behind bars. In order to understand modern Russia, you need to understand Alexei Navalny.

'Paints a vivid picture of a Russian politician who is a necessarily courageous product of the internet age. [...] An engaging and timely book about Navalny the man, the politician and the protester.' - Luke Harding, The Observer

'Provides pithy insights into how Vladimir Putin's regime survives despite its greed and incompetence.' - Edward Lucas, The Times

'[Presents] the first serious attempt to explain to a general readership what has made Navalny stand out among Russian politicians and what made him a target for the authorities.' - BBC News Russian

'This is not just a book about Navalny's struggles with the Kremlin, it is the essential primer for anyone outside Russia trying to understand this astonishingly brave and complicated man and the role he plays in contemporary Russia.' - Dr Fiona Hill, Brookings Institution senior fellow and former advisor on Europe and Russia on the US National Security Council

'A brilliant and highly readable analysis of the most compelling political figure to emerge from Russia in many years.' - Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator, Financial Times