UnHerd with Freddie Sayers Investigating Aleksandr Dugin and the "soul of Russia"
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Mar 10, 2022 Who is Aleksandr Dugin, and how much does his vision shape Russia’s future? Marlene Laruelle explores the “Russian soul,” Orthodox identity, autocratic rule, and Dugin’s dream of a Eurasian power bloc. The conversation also examines human rights, Russia’s isolation from the West, and why separating ordinary Russians from the state matters.
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Dugin's Worldview
- Aleksandr Dugin envisions a Eurasian continent with Russia at its center, aggressively expanding and clashing with the West.
- His ideology blends European fascist doctrines with Russian Orthodox messianism, emphasizing conflict and war.
The Russian Soul According to Dugin
- Dugin's "Russian soul" centers on authoritarianism, Orthodox spirituality, a cult of war and masculinity, and territorial expansionism.
- He believes that Russia's vast territory necessitates a strong state and expansionist tendencies.
Russia's Autocratic History
- Russia's historical autocratic tendencies stem from its unique development, differing from Western Europe.
- Factors like the late arrival of a strong bourgeoisie and the persistence of serfdom contributed to Russia's distinct path.