How Enduring Will Putin's Idea/Goal of Russia as the Head of a Russkiy Mir, A Sort of Slavic World, Be After He’s Left the Stage and Why?

As of 2 May 2022, Vladimir Putin's vision of a resurgence of Russkiy Mir, or the Russian world, remains contentious, with his recent military operation in Ukraine overshadowing any hopes for a cohesive Slavic leadership. The question remains: how enduring will this ideology be even after Putin's leadership ends?

The Short-term Disgrace and Long-term Uncertainty

Currently, Russia is facing widespread condemnation and disgrace across Europe. The international community's response to his military actions has tarnished Russia's reputation. However, will these effects be long-lasting or transient?

The Bumpy Road Ahead

Putin's goal of assuming a leading role among Slavic nations has become increasingly contentious, particularly with Poland, the Baltics, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. These countries, with their historical and cultural ties to Russia, do not share Putin's vision of a unified Slavic world and instead support Ukraine's sovereignty. This resistance may hinder Putin's vision for a stable and cohesive Slavic future.

Slavic Legacy or Fascist Ideology?

Not everyone shares Putin's vision of a Russkiy Mir. According to many observers, this idea primarily exists in Russia, potentially in Serbia, and is not favored by the majority of Slavic countries. The tradition of Slavic unity and resistance to external domination may mean that this ideology will persist in Russia, but not necessarily among its neighboring nations.

Duginism and Putin's Influence

The ideological foundation of Putin's vision is heavily influenced by two key figures: Ivan Ilyin and Aleksandr Dugin. Ilyin, a philosopher from the early 20th century, and Dugin, a contemporary radical philosopher, have significantly shaped Putin's understanding of power and control. Their ideas, particularly Dugin's Eurasianism, form the core of Putin's grand vision for the Russkiy Mir.

However, the effectiveness of this vision is questionable in the long term. Duginism, which is notoriously referred to as 'the Mad Russian Fascist Monk' by some, has a history of extreme and unrealistic thinking. It is possible that as more Russians integrate into global societies, they may develop a distinct national identity separate from the Russian one, weakening the appeal of the Russkiy Mir.

The Perpetual Fantasy of Duginism

The idea that there are Russians dispersed globally who yearn to be reintegrated into a singular Russian world is essentially a fascist nationalist fantasy. This ideology has been used to justify actions like the annexation of Crimea and could continue to be used in other regions with concentrated Russian populations.

However, it is important to note that this vision may have limited longevity. A 2019 article suggests that the effectiveness of using compatriots for extraterritorial ambitions may decline over time as these individuals become more integrated into other cultures, leading to a decreased sense of Russian national identity.

Further Considerations

The endurance of Putin's Russkiy Mir vision is thus highly questionable. Just as it was with the Thousand-Year Reich under Adolf Hitler, this ideology may prove to be transient. The impact of Dugin's ideas, particularly in influencing figures like Steve Bannon and their influence on political discourse, highlights the complexity and depth of these ideological underpinnings.

The legacy of Putin's vision will depend on how these ideas evolve and are interpreted in the future. Whether it remains a potent force or fades into obscurity is a question that will be answered over time.