As Trump-Putin axis takes root, ‘Putin’s brain’ calls for purging ‘Americacentrism’ in Russia

Russia and the US are cosying up, bonding over the Ukraine war, holding meetings to find ways to end the conflict amicably, and teaming up in the United Nations. The two countries have also hailed each other over the war and hinted at signing a new economic deal that could potentially change the world order.

Amid Trump and Putin’s growing camaraderie, Aleksandr Dugin, the Russian ultraconservative political thinker has called for getting rid of “Americacentrism” that he thinks currently dominates Russian politics.

Who is Aleksandr Dugin?

Alexander Dugin is a Russian political philosopher who is recognised for his ultranationalist and neo-Eurasianist ideologies, advocating for Russia’s resurgence as a dominant global power.

He is often referred to as “Putin’s Brain” and his perspectives have also found resonance among certain right-wing circles in the United States, influencing discussions on global order and immigration. In 2022, his daughter, Darya Dugina, was killed in a car bombing, an event that drew significant international attention.

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‘Prioritise interests of Fatherland’

Dugin has suggested that political science courses in Russian higher education should be changed to “overcome Americacentrism”. Dugin’s school argues that political science should “strengthen civic-mindedness” in Russia while promoting patriotism among students.

This educational framework reshapes civic-mindedness to mean “the prioritisation of state life and public life over private life, as well as the subordination of individual interests to the values and interests of the Fatherland, and of private benefit to the common good.”

Reject neoliberalism

Dugin believes that the US-led concept of “neoliberalism is dangerous because it fosters “individualism, cosmopolitanism, permissiveness, and the rejection of the ideals of patriotism, service to the Fatherland, and Russia’s civilizational uniqueness.”

According to Meduza, Dugin’s team has prepared a 240-page lecture series on political science, a 76-page teaching concept, and a shorter presentation for Russia’s Science Ministry as the philosopher embarks on a mission to reshape the education system to best instill and promote these values.