Boundless and Bottomless (Bonus): Putin Vs. Putin by Aleksandr Dugin with Donald Parkinson

Step into the complex world of geopolitics as we engage in a provocative dialogue with Donald Parkinson from the Marxist Unity Group and Cosmonaut Magazine. Ever wondered how Aleksandr Dugin's perspectives on Vladimir Putin shift when viewed from Russia's internal lens? Discover the nuances of his book "Putin vs. Putin: Vladimir Putin Viewed from the Right," and how it provides clarity on Dugin's ideological leanings compared to his more globally recognized "Fourth Political Theory." We unpack the influences of far-right esoteric thinkers like Julius Evola on Dugin, his critical take on Putin and Medvedev, and the convoluted relationship he has with Nazi ideology, all while maintaining his Russian patriotism.

We then scrutinize Dugin's admiration for Putin's centralizing strategies as outlined in "The 12 Labors of Putin." Find out how Putin's efforts to stave off Russia's disintegration, particularly in the Caucasus, and his suppression of ethnic separatism align with Dugin’s vision. Our conversation spans from the federal structure of the Russian Federation to Putin's methods of curbing regional autonomy and disciplining oligarchs. We also delve into the intricate dance between Eurasianism and Islamism, and how Dugin selectively aligns with certain Islamist factions. This discussion paints a comprehensive picture of the ideological and geopolitical strategies at play within Russia.

Finally, we tackle broader geopolitical ideologies, juxtaposing right and left strands of Eurasianism with insights from thinkers like Zbigniew Brzezinski and John Mearsheimer. We navigate the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, the contentious "land back" movement, and the evolving nature of counter-systemic politics, including the rise of MAGA communism. Reflect with us on the future of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and the critical need for a cohesive programmatic vision. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights into Dugin’s political theories and their far-reaching implications on global geopolitics. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation!

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Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

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