Foundations of Geopolitics 1997-Present Day
Aleksandr Dugin’s Blueprint for Reestablishing the Soviet Union (Happening Now)
Summary of “Foundations of Geopolitics”
“Foundations of Geopolitics: The Geopolitical Future of Russia” is a 1997 geopolitical book authored by Aleksandr Dugin, a Russian political theorist and strategist. The book has had significant influence on Russian military, political elites, and foreign policy strategies. It outlines a vision for Russia to reassert itself as a dominant global power through the construction of an Eurasian empire and the rejection of Western liberalism and Atlanticism. Below is a detailed step-by-step summary:
Context and Background
The book was written during the turbulent post-Soviet period when Russia was grappling with its diminished global influence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Aleksandr Dugin, an advocate for neo-Eurasianism, presents this work as both a theoretical framework and practical guide for Russian geopolitical strategy.
It draws heavily on classical geopolitical theories such as Halford Mackinder’s “Heartland Theory,” which posits that control over Eastern Europe (the “Heartland”) is key to dominating the world.
Core Ideological Framework
Eurasianism vs. Atlanticism
Dugin divides the world into two opposing forces:
Eurasian Land Powers (Tellurocracies): Represented by Russia, these are hierarchical, conservative, agrarian societies.
Atlantic Sea Powers (Thalassocracies): Represented by the United States and Britain, these are liberal, mercantile, individualistic societies.
He argues that geopolitics is fundamentally shaped by this dichotomy between land-based powers and sea-based powers.
Rejection of Liberal Values
The book advocates for rejecting Western liberal democracy, capitalism, and individualism in favor of traditionalist values rooted in Orthodoxy and authoritarian governance.
It promotes an anti-American stance as part of its broader rejection of Atlanticist hegemony.
Strategic Goals for Russia
Dugin lays out specific geopolitical objectives for Russia to achieve dominance:
Rebuilding Russian Influence in Eurasia
Annexation or Control Over Former Soviet Territories:
Ukraine should be annexed because it poses a threat to Eurasian unity if independent.
Georgia should be dismembered; regions like Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be incorporated into Russia.
Belarus and Moldova should become part of Russia.
Central Asia:
Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations should fall under Russian influence to secure control over the region’s resources.
Caucasus Region:
Armenia is seen as a strategic ally against Turkey.
Azerbaijan could be divided or absorbed into Iran.
Weakening Western Influence
Europe:
Germany should dominate Central Europe in partnership with Russia (“Moscow-Berlin Axis”).
France should align with Germany due to its historical anti-Anglo-Saxon tendencies.
The UK must be isolated from Europe (“cut off from Europe”).
Finland should be absorbed into Russia; northern Finland could merge with Murmansk Oblast.
United States:
Destabilize internal U.S. politics by exploiting racial, ethnic, social divisions (e.g., supporting separatist movements or extremist groups).
Encourage isolationist tendencies within American politics to weaken its global reach.
Middle East:
Form alliances with Islamic countries like Iran (“Moscow-Tehran Axis”) while destabilizing Turkey using Kurdish and Armenian minorities.
Strengthen ties with Syria as part of an anti-Western coalition.
Asia-Pacific:
China represents both an opportunity and a threat; it must eventually be weakened or dismantled to prevent competition in Central Asia.
Japan can be courted through anti-American sentiment by offering territorial concessions like the Kuril Islands.
Methods Advocated for Achieving Goals
The book emphasizes non-military methods over direct confrontation:
Subversion:
Use disinformation campaigns, propaganda, espionage, and psychological operations to destabilize adversaries internally.
Resource Leverage:
Exploit Russia’s natural gas and oil reserves as tools for coercion against dependent nations (e.g., European energy dependence).
Alliances:
Build strategic partnerships with nations opposed to U.S.-led unipolarity (e.g., China, India, Iran).
Reception and Impact
The book has been widely read within Russian military academies such as the General Staff Academy and among policymakers.
It has influenced key aspects of Russian foreign policy under Vladimir Putin:
Annexation of Crimea in 2014 aligns with Dugin’s call for controlling Ukraine.
Military intervention in Georgia in 2008 reflects his recommendations regarding Caucasian geopolitics.
Efforts to undermine NATO cohesion mirror his advocacy for weakening Atlanticist alliances.
Critics have described it as neo-fascist due to its emphasis on authoritarianism, nationalism, and imperial expansion.12
Key Criticisms
Oversimplification:
Critics argue that dividing global politics into binary categories (land vs sea powers) oversimplifies complex international relations.
Deterministic Nationalism:
Dugin’s portrayal of Russian supremacy ignores internal challenges like economic instability or demographic decline.
Ethical Concerns:
His endorsement of subversion tactics raises moral questions about destabilizing other nations deliberately.
“Foundations of Geopolitics” serves as both a manifesto for Russian resurgence on the world stage and a blueprint for undermining Western dominance through strategic alliances, subversion tactics, resource leverage, and territorial expansion across Eurasia while rejecting liberal democratic values associated with Atlanticism.
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