The Use and Abuse of German Classical Geopolitics in Modern Russia

• In Event: Russia’s Ways of Shaping its Place in the World: From Controlling Narratives to Strategic Deception

Abstract

Part of Russia’s justification for its war in Ukraine is the alleged Nazi character of the Ukrainian government. Paradoxically, it is the Russian elites that refer to Nazi ideas for the justification of their actions – both at home and in the world. This project explores the analysis and use of German classical geopolitics in modern Russia. It focuses on the Russian interpretations of the legacy of Carl Schmitt and Karl Haushofer, especially on their concepts of large space (Großraum), living space (Lebensraum), the state of exception (Ausnahmezustand), the friend-enemy distinction, and the Nomos of the Earth. As Vladimir Putin predicted in his 2023 Valdai International Discussion Club meeting, “the world is on its way to a synergy of civilization-states, large spaces (Großräume), communities identifying as such.” The purpose of this project is to expose the merge of Nazi political and geopolitical ideas with the theoretical base of Russia’s authoritarianism and expansionism.

Author

• Peter Eltsov, National Defense U