Date
Author
Александр ДУГИН; Философ; Культуролог
Source
Preserved copy
Translated material
Challenges of xenophobia
The only possible nationalism for Russia is “nationalism of love”
The issue of nationalism is now at the center of Russian political life: a wave of chauvinism and xenophobia is growing, extremism on national grounds is raising its head, murders and hooliganism on national and racial grounds have become more frequent on the part of Russians and other peoples of Russia. Simple spells about “tolerance”, “friendship of peoples” and “internationalism” are clearly not enough.At the moment, Russia lives without ideology, and representatives of ultranationalist, chauvinistic and racist views are increasingly taking advantage of this circumstance. This phenomenon is often called “fascism,” but unlike historical fascism, it is not a complete ideology, but a political speculation on everyday feelings of hostility. More precisely, we can call this phenomenon “nationalism of hatred,” which includes hostility towards other nationalities and inciting national hatred on this basis, as well as holding foreigners and people of other faiths responsible for shortcomings in the situation of the “indigenous population.”
Manifestations of “nationalism of hatred” can only be called “fascism” with a stretch, since historically fascism, while possessing some of these qualities, also had a detailed socio-economic theory. Most groups that preach “hate nationalism” can easily prove the difference between their ideas and fascism if they wish. This is the ambiguity of the fight against this undoubtedly negative phenomenon under the auspices of anti-fascism, which only gives formal meaning and coherence to what are still scattered chaotic peripheral tendencies. But at the same time, it is absolutely obvious that “nationalism of hatred” is not just a negative phenomenon, but an explosive one. If Russia, being a multinational and multi-religious country, does not offer a clear and effective model of national politics, it will simply fall apart.
Russia's national policy must make it clear to all peoples where their place is in our statehood. In such a situation, the basis for “nationalism of hatred” will be knocked out, and its political form will be prohibited by law. At the same time, not just “nationalism” as such, but its worst, destructive and chauvinistic manifestations will be outside the scope of the law.
It is necessary to recognize the value of each people in the face of Russian statehood, highlighting the special role of the Russian ethnic group, which historically has been and remains the axis of power-building, the cultural, linguistic and social basis of the state. Recognizing the centrality of the Russian people will put an end to the painful sense of humiliation that Russians feel after a series of historical failures in recent decades. But along with the natural recognition of the merits of Russians, it is necessary to especially emphasize the open nature of Russian culture and the Russian ethnic group, which has always recognized itself as the bearer of a cultural and civilizational mission to all other peoples of Russia. In this case, “nationalism of hatred” should be contrasted with “nationalism of love” - both for one’s own people and for other peoples who are in solidarity with the Russians in their historical path.
“Nationalism of love” is based on increased attention to the history of one’s people, historical cultural traditions, language, and the transfer of traditional values to new generations. This also includes the strengthening of the role of the religious factor in the upbringing, education and formation of the moral character of the people. The mobilization of national consciousness in the face of the threat of globalization and the universalist claims of Western liberal culture is also one of the manifestations of “nationalism of love.”
“Nationalism of love” takes the concept of “enemy” beyond the distant limits of Russian society. All the peoples of Russia and our friendly CIS countries, as well as countries that recognize a multipolar world structure, find themselves in the position of friends and allies in the face of the roller coaster of globalization and a unipolar world. Any people who practice a “nationalism of love” in relation to themselves becomes, with this approach, a logical ally of other peoples who do the same in their own context.
Strictly observing the monopoly on strategic management of the entire territory of Russia, the government must meet the diversity of the national element, inviting ethnic groups to develop on the basis of their spiritual, cultural and legal traditions - with a strict ban on imposing their rules on others. In this model, the people are recognized as the main political subject, the voluntary co-founder of statehood itself.
When proposing a national policy of a “state of peoples,” it is worth paying attention to the development of civil society. At this level, differences between nationalities must be completely eliminated, since in the face of the state all its citizens are absolutely equal. This model can be called “Russian nationalism”, which is based on the principle of citizenship. People who gravitate towards participation in federal processes - power, cultural, managerial, administrative - will form the backbone of a civil nation, devoid of any, especially ethnic or religious, characteristics, formed on the principle of secularism and strict equality of everyone before the law in the individual quality.
The problem of migrants can be solved by adopting a concept, the meaning of which is to recognize that the collapse of the USSR was a tragic mistake and that our peoples must again sooner or later unite in a single socio-political and economic entity. The peoples of the CIS countries should be considered as the closest partners of our future unification.
If we fight nationalist extremism only with repressive measures, we will only drive the disease inside. In 2007-2008, the authorities will be faced with the question of the continuity of the course, and the people will demand that this course be presented to them - the question of national policy will be raised head on.
In such a situation, “nationalism of hatred” will raise its head. It is obvious that the “orange revolution” will no longer happen in Russia, because... the popularity of Westernized ultra-liberal ideas today is close to zero. But everyday xenophobia, on the contrary, is extremely widespread.
Only healthy, creative and life-affirming nationalism can defeat painful, destructive and provocative nationalism. Nationalism of love, participation and mutual respect of different nations, religions and cultures.