Inside Putin’s Brain
The Political Philosophy of Alexander Dugin
by Michael Millerman
Source of Publication: Click Here — Detailed Summary of Publication: Click Here
Brief Summary Below
Michael Millerman’s book, “Inside Putin’s Brain: The Political Philosophy of Alexander Dugin,” explores the ideological underpinnings of Vladimir Putin’s geopolitical strategies through the lens of Alexander Dugin, a controversial Russian philosopher. As Western analysts struggle to decipher Putin’s motivations, Millerman argues that Dugin’s radical Eurasianist philosophy offers critical insights. The piece examines how Dugin’s ideas—ranging from anti-Westernism to spiritual traditionalism—may shape Russia’s confrontational stance on the global stage, particularly in contexts like Ukraine and NATO relations.
Ten Key Points
- Eurasianism vs. Western Hegemony: Dugin advocates for Eurasianism, a vision positioning Russia as the leader of a continental bloc opposing Atlanticist (U.S./EU) dominance. This ideology rejects liberal democracy, framing it as culturally alien to Russia’s historical identity.
- The Fourth Political Theory: Dugin proposes a post-liberal framework transcending 20th-century ideologies (fascism, communism, liberalism), emphasizing civilizational uniqueness over universal values.
- Multipolar World Order: Dugin envisions a world divided into autonomous civilizational spheres, challenging the unipolar U.S.-led system and advocating for Russia’s role as a counterweight.
- Traditionalism and Spiritual Values: Influenced by thinkers like René Guénon, Dugin prioritizes pre-modern spirituality, hierarchy, and communal identity over Western materialism and individualism.
- Anti-Globalization Critique: He condemns globalization as a tool of Western cultural imperialism, arguing it erodes national sovereignty and traditional cultures.
- Geopolitical Heartland Theory: Drawing from Halford Mackinder, Dugin stresses control of Eurasia’s “Heartland” as pivotal to global dominance, informing Russia’s territorial ambitions.
- Russia’s Civilizational Mission: Dugin casts Russia as a guardian of tradition, tasked with uniting Slavic peoples and resisting Western expansion, notably through initiatives like the Eurasian Economic Union.
- Expansionist Justifications: His theories rationalize Russian interventions (e.g., Crimea, Ukraine) as defenses of civilizational unity against NATO encroachment.
- Anti-Enlightenment Philosophy: Dugin rejects Enlightenment ideals of progress and rationality, favoring myth, mysticism, and existential struggle as drivers of history.
- Influence on Putin: While Dugin holds no official role, his ideas permeate Kremlin narratives, framing Russia’s actions as part of a sacred, existential struggle against the West.
Millerman’s analysis posits that Dugin’s philosophy provides a coherent, if radical, framework for understanding Putin’s defiance of the Western order. While the extent of Dugin’s direct influence remains debated, his integration of geopolitics, traditionalism, and civilizational identity resonates with Russia’s strategic posturing. For Western observers, grappling with Dugin’s thought is not merely academic—it is essential to deciphering the ideological currents shaping one of the 21st century’s most consequential geopolitical rivalries. The article underscores the need to look beyond realpolitik to the philosophical narratives driving Russia’s vision of a multipolar world.
