Parallels Unexpected: A Comparative Analysis of the Dark Enlightenment in the United States and Russia

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

This roundtable examines the concept of the Dark Enlightenment as it manifests in both the United States and Russia, offering a comparative analysis of its intellectual foundations and policy implications. The Dark Enlightenment, as defined in this discussion, refers to a philosophical and political movement that advocates for a reactionary revolution, emphasizing the reintegration of metaphysical and sacred dimensions into political discourse. The discussion will explore the ideological origins of this movement, its contemporary expressions in both countries, and the ways in which it has influenced or intersected with political thought and policy. Particular attention will be given to the movement’s engagement with technology, its historical roots in the countercultural movements of the 1990s, and its positioning within broader conservative frameworks. Additionally, the roundtable will assess the extent to which these movements engage in dialogue, influence each other, or exist in opposition, as well as the competition between their respective messianic visions.

Sub Unit

• Religion, Philosophy

Chair

• Marlene Laruelle, George Washington U

Roundtable Speakers

• Ilya Budraitskis, UC Berkeley

• Maria Engström, Uppsala U (Sweden)

• Marlene Laruelle, George Washington U