Concentric Circles of Ideology: Alexander Dugin
Alexander Dugin’s ideology, often described as a series of concentric circles, is indeed a complex and controversial one. It combines various political and philosophical traditions, creating a unique blend that has influenced contemporary political thought, particularly in Russia. Here’s an extended analysis of the layers of his ideology:
Esoteric Nazism at the Core: At the heart of Dugin’s ideology lies Esoteric Nazism, a mystical interpretation of Nazism that emerged after World War II. This form of Nazism is not just a political stance but adapts Third Reich ideologies into new religious movements of white nationalism and neo-Nazism. The esoteric aspect of Dugin’s views might suggest a belief in the occult and mystical elements associated with the Aryan race and its supposed ancient origins. This core is deeply unsettling as it seems to romanticize and mystify aspects of one of history’s most destructive ideologies.
Traditionalism/Perennialism Layer: Encircling this core is the layer of Traditionalism/Perennialism, which posits the existence of a perennial wisdom or philosophy. This school of thought believes in primordial and universal truths shared by all major world religions. Dugin’s adoption of this layer indicates a belief in the superiority of ancient wisdom over modern values, aligning with his anti-modernist stance. Critics argue that this perspective can be used to justify regressive and authoritarian politics under the guise of returning to ‘traditional’ values.
German Conservative Revolution Circle: The next circle is the German Conservative Revolution, a movement during the Weimar Republic that opposed traditional conservatism, egalitarianism, liberalism, and democracy. It sought a cultural counter-revolution, drawing inspiration from figures like Friedrich Nietzsche and the anti-modernist tendencies of German Romanticism. Dugin’s ideology resonates with this movement’s disdain for modernity and liberal values, which can be perceived as a rejection of the progress that has been made in terms of human rights and democratic governance.
European New Right (ENR) Outer Circle: Finally, the outermost circle is the European New Right (ENR), a far-right movement that originated in France and opposes liberalism, individualism, and egalitarianism. The ENR advocates for ethnopluralism, where distinct cultural identities coexist peacefully in separate spaces. This aligns with Dugin’s vision of a multipolar world where civilizations maintain their uniqueness without the homogenizing influence of globalization. However, critics of the ENR and Dugin’s ideology argue that this vision often serves as a veneer for xenophobia and a rejection of multiculturalism.
Criticism and Analysis: Dugin’s ideology has been subject to extensive criticism and analysis. His views have been characterized as fascist or neo-fascist, and his influence on Russian politics, particularly on President Vladimir Putin, is a subject of debate. Dugin’s rhetoric has been described as conspiratorial, and he portrays the Russian invasion of Ukraine as part of a holy war against “absolute Evil, embodied in Western civilization”. His geopolitical views, such as the creation of a Eurasian bloc to challenge Western influence, reflect a desire for Russia to rebuild its influence through alliances and conquest.
In summary, Alexander Dugin’s ideology is a perplexing amalgamation of various far-right ideologies, each layer adding to a worldview that is at odds with modern democratic values and human rights. It’s an ideology that has been criticized for its regressive and authoritarian tendencies, and its potential influence on Russian politics remains a concern for many.
