Eurasianism and Neo-Eurasianism: Influence and Implications in Current Political Unrest
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Preface
I often find myself writing about Eurasianism, so I thought it would be enlightening to delve deeper into it. Born from the cultural shock and displacement in the aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution, Eurasianism arose from the feeling of being adrift from familiar culture and traditions. As émigrés began to consider Russia as a unique civilization, a new geopolitical theory took root. In this exploration, we will journey from the historical genesis of Eurasianism to its modern iteration: Neo-Eurasianism, and examine its influential role in the complex global geopolitical landscape. We'll ponder the ideologies' ascendancy in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, their impact on Russia's strategic approach, and the controversies they've stirred along the way. It's a journey into the heart of Russia's unique civilizational identity and its approach to international relations.
Introduction
In the complex tapestry of global geopolitical theories, few are as intriguing, influential, and controversial as Eurasianism and its modern iteration, Neo-Eurasianism. Rooted in Russia's unique historical experience and geopolitical position, these ideologies explore the country's role as a bridge between the East and the West: They question the universality of Western liberal democracy. Their ascendancy in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has provided the intellectual underpinnings for Russia's strategic approach towards both its immediate neighbourhood and the world beyond.
Historical Background
Eurasianism emerged in the 1920s among Russian émigrés who had left the country in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution, which was the catalyst for the first Communist government in the world. The political unrest of this period, combined with the émigré experience of cultural dislocation, nurtured a new intellectual movement. Key figures such as Prince Nikolai Trubetzkoy and George Vernadsky played crucial roles in the development of Eurasianism, emphasizing Russia's unique civilization straddling Europe and Asia.
The transition to Neo-Eurasianism occurred in the late 20th century with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Influential figures such as Aleksandr Dugin and Lev Gumilev revitalized and revamped the ideology, adapting it to the realities of a post-Cold War world and incorporating elements of geopolitics, history, and philosophy.
Most recently, on 31 March 2023, Putin "APPROVED by Decree:" The Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation Russian Mission. This document aligns with the Neo-Eurasianist construct.
Core Philosophies and Principles
The original Eurasianists rejected the notion of Russia as a purely European nation, arguing for an independent Eurasian civilization instead. They saw Russia as a unique "continental" civilization, intrinsically linked to the vastness of the Eurasian landmass.
Neo-Eurasianism builds on these ideas, presenting Russia as a civilizational bridge between East and West. It champions the notion of "Eurasia against the West", reflecting a perception of Western liberal democracy and globalization as threats to diverse cultures and traditions.
Impact and Influence
Eurasianism and Neo-Eurasianism have left indelible marks on Russian socio-political thought. They have influenced foreign policy, from relations with former Soviet states to strategic positioning vis-à-vis
Western nations. The ideologies have garnered varying degrees of acceptance globally, with Western critics often viewing them as a guise for Russian expansionism. In contrast, some non-Western countries may view them as a counterbalance to Western dominance.
Criticisms and Controversies
The ideologies have faced their share of criticism. Intellectuals and academics have debated their conceptual foundations, questioning the dichotomy between East/West and Eurasia/the West. Politically, they are critiqued as tools for justifying Russian nationalism and geopolitical ambitions, potentially feeding into xenophobia and aggressive foreign policy.
Case Study
Modern Russian geopolitics offers a case study of Neo-Eurasianism in action. For instance, Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014: Its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, and the evolving relationship with China can be better understood when viewed through the lens of Neo-Eurasianism. These real-world applications underscore the ideology's potential to shape international relations profoundly.
The Future of Eurasianism / Neo-Eurasianism
Current trends suggest Neo-Eurasianism will continue to be influential in the foreseeable future, both as a lens for interpreting global dynamics and as a policy driver. However, it also faces challenges, including internal criticism, changing geopolitical dynamics, and the risk of being weaponized for narrow political ends.
Conclusion
In the ever-changing world of global politics, understanding Eurasianism and Neo-Eurasianism is invaluable. As this article has shown, these ideologies provide an insightful perspective on Russia's unique civilizational identity and its approach to international relations.
References
The Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. (2023). Retrieved 27 June 2023, from https://russiaeu.ru/en/news/concept-foreign-policy-russian-federation
Black Wind, White Snow. (2023). Retrieved 27 June 2023, from https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300268355/black-wind-white-snow/
Dunlop, J. B. (n.d.). 'Aleksandr Dugin's Foundations of Geopolitics'. The Europe Center - Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. Stanford University. Retrieved 28 June 2023, from https://tec.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/aleksandr-dugins-foundations-geopolitics