The Dark Enlightenment: A Rising Political Theology in Russia and the US
A new ideological movement is gaining traction in the corridors of power, challenging the very foundations of modern democracy. This movement, known as the Dark Enlightenment, is a fascinating hybrid of illiberalism, technological optimism, and Christian metaphysics. It's a trend that's making waves in both Russia and the United States, and it's time to shine a light on its origins, key figures, and potential impact.
The Dark Enlightenment, or Neo-Reactionary movement, emerged from libertarian circles in the UK and the US, particularly among Silicon Valley's tech elite and startup communities. These groups advocate for the liberation of capital from state control and individual freedom unbound by contemporary liberal ethics. But here's where it gets controversial: the movement's critique of liberal values is explicitly anti-democratic, anti-gender, anti-immigrant, and anti-environmentalist.
The movement's manifesto, 'The Dark Enlightenment' by British philosopher Nick Land, argues that the humanism and rational governance of the 18th-century Enlightenment have led to the catastrophes of the 20th century. Land calls for a new era, one that embraces 'liberal degeneracy' and prioritizes capitalist and posthumanist progress.
Key Figures and Influences
Peter Thiel: A German-American entrepreneur and tech investor, Thiel is a key figure in the Dark Enlightenment. His essay, 'The Education of a Libertarian,' distinguishes between democracy and freedom, suggesting they are incompatible. Thiel's work draws on the ideas of Carl Schmitt, René Girard, and Leo Strauss, and he sees America as the Katechon, a force holding back the Antichrist.
Curtis Yarvin (Mencius Moldbug): An American programmer and blogger, Yarvin developed the concept of 'neocameralism,' which proposes transforming the state into a corporation. He argues for a techno-autocracy or CEO-monarchy, emphasizing efficiency and direct accountability.
The Cathedral: Yarvin's concept of the Cathedral represents the intellectual forces shaping the neoliberal worldview, including universities, media, and the cultural elite. The Dark Enlightenment seeks to challenge this hegemony through a cultural war, advocating for a future political order.
The Russian Connection
The Russian version of illiberalism finds its closest parallel in Peter Thiel's work. Thiel, influenced by René Girard, criticizes the West's security obsession, arguing that it erodes civil liberties. He suggests that the 9/11 attacks exposed the failure of liberal political thought, revealing a political reality rooted in religious motivations.
Thiel's vision for the West involves resisting ideological state control and advancing AI technologies, preserving Christian culture while resisting the Antichrist's temptations. This political-theological worldview is central to his founding of Palantir Technologies.
The Forum of the Future 2050
The Forum of the Future 2050, held in Moscow, was the first official event reflecting the Russian conservative elite's alignment with Western Dark Enlightenment thinkers. The forum, organized by the Tsargrad Institute, aimed to strategize Russia's development in the post-liberal era and envision a digital and technological future.
The event brought together key technocrats and Christian traditionalists from Russia and the West, including prominent figures like Sergey Lavrov, Alexander Dugin, Jeffrey Sachs, and Alex Jones. The forum's report, 'Russia 2050: A Vision of the Future,' presents a hybrid of Traditionalism and Futurism, combining technological advancement with the doctrine of the Katechon, autocracy, and the sacralization of the state leader.
A Controversial Alliance?
The Dark Enlightenment's ideas and projects are now widely discussed in Russia, with some comparing it to a new 'Manhattan Project.' This mutual interest between Russian and American illiberal forces, grounded in a Christian civilizational project, raises intriguing questions about the relationship between Putin and Trump and their administrations.
But what does this mean for the future of democracy and global politics? Is the Dark Enlightenment a legitimate intellectual movement or a dangerous ideology? Are its proponents offering a much-needed critique of contemporary liberalism, or are they advocating for a regressive and authoritarian future? The answers to these questions are far from clear, and they invite passionate debate. What's your take on this complex and controversial phenomenon?
