The Magnitsky List and the Consolidation of Elites

The publication of materials about the murder of Magnitsky, in principle, was in the interests of the authorities. It does not at all prevent the spread of stories about horrors happening in prisons, courts, police, and other authorities. The reading public is created in a mood of fear and hopelessness. And this plays into the hands of the authorities.

It would seem that the world's reaction to this chaos is the defeat of the Kremlin. Nothing of the kind. The authorities gained great benefit from this minor trouble. Over the past few days, I have been closely following the reactions of politicians and high-status political scientists. Burmatov, of course, does not count, but very worthy people, even those who criticize Putin, consider it necessary to speak not in the best way about the actions of American legislators. And give advice to the authorities on how to react to this. So the elite is again consolidated. This time, the center of consolidation is the protection of Magnitsky’s murderers and the entire repressive machine that stands for the protection of the private interests of people in power.

However, every cloud has a silver lining. The US actions have made it clear who is who among our country's best minds. Just as Russia's attack on Georgia did four years ago.

I just need to add this. If anyone has not yet realized that it is useless to threaten the Kremlin with reputational losses, then it’s time to understand this. Just like the fact that Magnitsky’s guilt/innocence does not matter. And then there is this technique: to discuss not the murder of Magnitsky, but why he went to prison. Like, it’s still not possible with thieves.
As in my time with the enemies of the people.