Russian Geopolitics, Brexit, and Climate Change Skepticism: The Ties That Bind
Over the past few years, we've seen a rise in nationalist and anti-globalist sentiment across the Western world - but who exactly is driving this? This blog explores the Russsian connection to Brexit and climate change scepticism.
One of the most significant manifestations of this trend has been the Brexit vote, which saw the UK vote to leave the European Union in 2016. This decision has had far-reaching consequences, destabilizing the political and economic landscape of Europe and beyond.
At the same time, there has been growing skepticism about the reality of human-caused climate change, with some even denying that it exists at all. This has led to a lack of political will to take action on one of the most pressing issues of our time, as countries drag their feet in implementing the necessary measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
What do these two seemingly disparate issues have in common? The answer lies in the influence of Russian geopolitics and the think tanks associated with it, such as those based at 55 Tufton Street in London.
There have been numerous reports of links between individuals and organizations based at 55 Tufton Street and Russian oligarchs or officials, including meetings between prominent Brexit campaigners and Russian officials or representatives. These links suggest that there may have been a concerted effort to destabilize the European Union by promoting nationalist and anti-globalist sentiment, as part of Russia's broader geopolitical goals.
At the same time, many of the think tanks based at 55 Tufton Street have been associated with climate change skepticism, promoting the idea that the scientific consensus on climate change is flawed or exaggerated. This skepticism has served to undermine efforts to address climate change, furthering Russia's goals of promoting an anti-globalist agenda and maintaining its position as a major player in the global energy market.
In this article, we will explore the connections between Russian geopolitics, Brexit, and climate change skepticism, examining how they are all tied together by think tanks such as those based at 55 Tufton Street. We will also look at the potential consequences of these ties, both for the UK and for the wider world, and consider what can be done to address them.
Russian geopolitics has long sought to destabilize the West, and the Brexit vote has been a significant victory for Russian foreign policy. Russia's support for the Brexit campaign has been well-documented, with links between prominent Brexit campaigners and Russian officials or oligarchs coming to light. The Leave.EU campaign, led by Arron Banks, has been particularly scrutinized for its connections to Russia, with Banks having reportedly had several meetings with Russian officials or representatives, including the Russian ambassador to the UK. Banks has also reportedly received millions of pounds in loans from a Russian-born former KGB agent, Dmitry Leus.
Think tanks like those based at 55 Tufton Street have also played a role in promoting policies that align with Russian interests. These think tanks have pushed for weakening the EU and promoting nationalism, both of which serve Russian geopolitical goals. Additionally, they have promoted climate change skepticism, which aligns with Russia's interests as a major producer of fossil fuels.
It's worth noting that not all of the individuals and organizations associated with Brexit have ties to Russia. However, the influence of Russian geopolitics on the Brexit vote cannot be ignored, and it highlights the extent to which foreign powers can impact the politics of other countries.
Furthermore, some of the individuals associated with these think tanks have close ties to the fossil fuel industry and have received funding from companies with a vested interest in promoting the continued use of fossil fuels. For example, several organizations based at 55 Tufton Street, including the Global Warming Policy Foundation and the Institute of Economic Affairs, have reportedly received funding from ExxonMobil, a major oil and gas company.
This connection between Russian geopolitics, Brexit, and climate change skepticism is particularly concerning because it undermines efforts to address one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: the existential threat of climate change. By promoting climate change denial and policies that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability, these individuals and organizations are contributing to a dangerous and unsustainable future for all of us.
In conclusion, the ties between Russian geopolitics, Brexit, and climate change skepticism are significant and troubling. The influence of think tanks like those based at 55 Tufton Street in promoting these ideas cannot be ignored. It is crucial that we recognize the connection between these issues and work to address them in a comprehensive and effective way, both for the sake of our own future and that of the planet.
Below is a ChatGPT chapter by chapter breakdown of Alexander Dugin’s - "Foundations of Geopolitics" - the core text behind Putin’s expansionism and driver of Russian 21st century Geopolitics.
"Foundations of Geopolitics" is a book written by Russian ultra-nationalist philosopher Alexander Dugin. First published in 1997, the book has been influential in shaping Russia's foreign policy and its relationship with the West. In "Foundations of Geopolitics," Dugin presents a vision of Russia as a great power that must reject the liberal democratic values of the West and instead promote its own unique identity and geopolitical interests. The book offers a critique of Western hegemony and promotes a more multipolar world order that respects the sovereignty and diversity of different nations.
The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of Dugin's geopolitical vision. These include the role of Russia in the Eurasian project, the geopolitical theory of Russian identity, the geopolitical doctrine of the Russian Orthodox Church, and the threats posed by Atlanticism and Pan-Europeanism. Through these chapters, Dugin offers a comprehensive analysis of the global geopolitical landscape and provides a roadmap for how Russia can position itself as a leading power in the 21st century.
While the book has been criticized by some as promoting a dangerous and aggressive form of nationalism, it has also been praised by others for its unique perspective on global politics and its emphasis on promoting a more multipolar world order. "Foundations of Geopolitics" is a thought-provoking and controversial work that continues to shape discussions about Russia's foreign policy and its place in the global community.
Chapter 1: Geopolitics as Destiny
In Chapter 1 of "Foundations of Geopolitics", Dugin argues that geopolitics is a struggle for power and resources between different nations and civilizations, and that Russia's destiny is to become a great power once again and assert its influence in Eurasia.
He sees Russia's history as a cycle of rise and fall, with periods of expansion followed by periods of decline. Dugin believes that Russia's current position in the world is one of weakness and that it must regain its status as a great power in order to ensure its survival and protect its interests.
Dugin also argues that geopolitics is not something that can be ignored or transcended through international cooperation or other means, but rather something that must be confronted and mastered in order to achieve national greatness. He believes that Russia must embrace its destiny as a geopolitical player and act accordingly.
Overall, the key argument of Chapter 1 is that Russia's fate is tied to its ability to assert its influence in Eurasia and become a dominant power once again.
Chapter 2: The Russian Empire and the Eurasian Project
Chapter 2 of "Foundations of Geopolitics" focuses on Dugin's analysis of the historical and cultural ties between Russia and the Eurasian landmass. He argues that Russia has a unique civilizational identity that is distinct from both the West and the East.
Dugin sees Russia as having a historical mission to lead a Eurasian bloc of nations, which would be based on the idea of a shared cultural and historical heritage. He argues that this bloc would include not only Russia, but also other countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Dugin emphasizes the importance of a strong state in order to achieve this goal, arguing that only a powerful and centralized state can maintain the stability and unity necessary to lead a Eurasian bloc. He sees the collapse of the Soviet Union as a major setback for this project, but believes that it can still be achieved through a combination of economic, cultural, and military means.
Overall, the key argument of Chapter 2 is that Russia's historical and cultural ties to the Eurasian landmass provide the foundation for a geopolitical project that would see Russia leading a bloc of nations in the region.
Chapter 3: The Heartland and its Determinants
Chapter 3 of "Foundations of Geopolitics" focuses on the concept of the "Heartland," which Dugin argues is the key to understanding geopolitical power in Eurasia. He draws on the work of British geographer Halford Mackinder, who famously argued that whoever controls the Heartland (which Mackinder identified as the region comprising present-day Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe) would control the world.
Dugin expands on this concept, arguing that the Heartland is the crucial determinant of geopolitical power in Eurasia because it is the region where land power (as opposed to sea power) is most important. He also identifies several key factors that make the Heartland such a powerful geopolitical force, including its vast natural resources, its central location, and its ability to provide a buffer zone between different civilizations and regions.
Dugin sees Russia as the natural leader of the Heartland, due to its size, location, and historical ties to the region. He argues that Russia must maintain a strong presence in the Heartland in order to prevent other powers (such as China or the United States) from gaining too much influence in the region and threatening Russia's national security.
Overall, the key argument of Chapter 3 is that the Heartland is the key to understanding Eurasian geopolitics, and that Russia's role as the dominant power in the region is crucial to maintaining its status as a great power.
Chapter 4: The Geopolitical Theory of Russian Identity
In Chapter 4 of "Foundations of Geopolitics," Dugin explores the concept of Russian identity and its relation to geopolitics. He argues that Russia has a unique identity that is distinct from both the West and the East, and that this identity is rooted in a deep sense of spirituality, collectivism, and a desire for a strong state.
Dugin sees Russian identity as shaped by a long history of struggle against foreign domination, which has led to a sense of pride and resilience among the Russian people. He also emphasizes the importance of Orthodox Christianity as a unifying force in Russian identity, and sees it as a key component of Russia's cultural and spiritual heritage.
Dugin believes that Russia's identity as a civilization-state (a state that is defined by its distinct cultural and historical identity) gives it a unique perspective on geopolitics, one that emphasizes the importance of spiritual and cultural factors rather than purely material interests.
Overall, the key argument of Chapter 4 is that Russian identity is a crucial factor in understanding Russian geopolitics, and that Russia's sense of itself as a distinct civilization-state gives it a unique perspective on world affairs.
Chapter 5: The Geopolitical Doctrine of the Russian Orthodox Church
Chapter 5 of "Foundations of Geopolitics" focuses on the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in shaping Russian geopolitics. Dugin argues that the Church has historically played a significant role in Russia's political and cultural development, and that it continues to be an important force in shaping Russian identity and geopolitical strategy.
Dugin identifies several key principles of the Church's geopolitical doctrine, including a belief in the importance of a strong state, a commitment to defending traditional values and cultural heritage, and a desire for closer ties with other Orthodox nations and communities.
He also emphasizes the Church's role in promoting a distinctively Russian worldview, one that emphasizes the importance of spiritual values and a sense of historical destiny. Dugin argues that this worldview provides a basis for a unique Russian approach to geopolitics, one that emphasizes the importance of cultural and spiritual factors rather than purely material interests.
Overall, the key argument of Chapter 5 is that the Russian Orthodox Church has a significant role to play in shaping Russia's geopolitical strategy, and that its principles and worldview provide a basis for a distinctively Russian approach to world affairs.
Chapter 6: The Eurasianism of the Russian Far Right
Chapter 6 of "Foundations of Geopolitics" examines the political ideology of Eurasianism, which has been influential among the Russian far right. Dugin argues that Eurasianism offers a distinct vision of geopolitics that is rooted in a desire to restore Russia's status as a great power and to promote a pan-Eurasian identity that transcends national boundaries.
Eurasianism emphasizes the importance of cultural and historical factors in shaping geopolitical relationships, and rejects the universalism of Western liberalism. Dugin argues that this ideology offers a vision of Russia as a leader of a Eurasian bloc of nations that share a common heritage and cultural identity.
However, Dugin also acknowledges that there are different versions of Eurasianism, and that some have been associated with extremist and nationalist movements. He argues that it is important to distinguish between different versions of Eurasianism, and to promote a more moderate and inclusive version that emphasizes cooperation and cultural exchange among Eurasian nations.
Overall, the key argument of Chapter 6 is that Eurasianism offers a distinct vision of geopolitics that emphasizes cultural and historical factors, and that it has the potential to shape Russia's geopolitical strategy in the years to come. However, Dugin also acknowledges that the ideology has been associated with extremist movements, and that it is important to promote a more moderate and inclusive version of Eurasianism.
Chapter 7: The United States: The Global Empire
Chapter 7 of "Foundations of Geopolitics" focuses on the role of the United States in the global geopolitical landscape. Dugin argues that the US is a global empire that seeks to impose its liberal democratic values on the rest of the world, and that it poses a significant threat to the interests of Russia and other non-Western nations.
Dugin identifies several key features of the US global empire, including its military and economic power, its promotion of liberal democratic values, and its use of cultural influence to shape the preferences of other nations.
He also argues that the US is motivated by a desire for global hegemony, and that it seeks to maintain its dominant position through military force and economic coercion. Dugin suggests that the US is engaged in a form of cultural imperialism that seeks to promote American values and interests at the expense of other cultures and nations.