The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Russia and the American Far-right, with Marlene Laruelle
Nov 30, 2025
Marlene Laruelle is a Research Professor at The George Washington University, focusing on Russian politics and transnational far-right movements. She explores the historical ties between America's far-right and Russia, highlighting ideological connections and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church. Laruelle discusses how 'traditional values' serve as a soft power tool and the impact of Ukraine on far-right sentiments. She warns that domestic divisions may strengthen illiberal networks and emphasizes the danger of mislabeling movements as 'fascism' instead of recognizing their illiberal nature.
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Three Waves Of Growing Ties
- The US–Russia far‑right relationship evolved in distinct waves since the 1990s and grew markedly in the 2010s.
- Alexander Dugin and translated materials acted as key intellectual bridges for the alt‑right.
Confluence Not One‑Way Influence
- Laruelle distinguishes 'confluence' from 'influence' to stress bilateral agency in ties.
- She warns framing the relationship as unilateral Russian influence overstates Moscow's role.
Myth Of A Pan‑White Space
- Some extremists mythologize Russia as a refuge for a pan‑white or pan‑Christian space like 'Euro‑Siberia.'
- This vision mixes Nazi occult tropes with modern ethno‑nationalist imaginaries.
