For Russia, Europe is the Enemy. Andrey Gurkov warns against the hope of restauration after the Ukraine war

 

Mistral.ai:

Here is a summary of Andrey Gurkov’s book "Für Russland ist Europa der Feind: Warum meine Heimat mit dem Westen gebrochen hat" (For Russia, Europe is the Enemy: Why My Homeland Has Broken with the West):

Core Thesis

Gurkov argues that Russia no longer sees itself as part of the European values community—instead, Europe has become an enemy image in Russian society. The book is a sharp, unflinching analysis of how and why Russia has turned away from the West, especially under Putin’s rule.

Key Points

  • Historical and Cultural Roots: Gurkov explores the behind Russia’s rejection of Europe. He traces the resurgence of imperial ambitions and aggressive nationalism, which have become mainstream in Russian society.
  • Putin’s Role: The book highlights how Putin’s regime has exploited and amplified these tendencies, making anti-Western sentiment a central pillar of Russian identity. The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marked a definitive break, confirming that Russia’s hostility toward Europe is not just Putin’s policy but a broader societal shift.
  • No Return to the Past: Gurkov warns against the hope that relations with Europe can be restored after the Ukraine war. The Russian public, he argues, has internalized the idea that Russia is a separate “civilization,” distinct from and opposed to the West—a concept inspired by theories like Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations.”
  • Personal and Analytical Perspective: As a Russian journalist living in Germany, Gurkov combines personal dismay with rigorous analysis. He criticizes both the Russian elite and Western naivety, urging Europeans—especially Germans—to abandon illusions about Russia’s potential for democratization or reconciliation.
  • Critique of Russian Society: The book focuses on the intellectual and media elites who support Putin’s system, but it has been noted that oppositional voices within Russia are largely absent from his account.

Tone and Reception

  • Uncompromising and Pessimistic: Gurkov’s tone is urgent and sobering. He describes the book as a “reality check,” calling on the West to face uncomfortable truths about Russia’s trajectory.
  • Praised for Clarity: Reviewers call it a necessary, eye-opening read, though some note its bleak outlook and .

Why It Matters

Gurkov’s work is seen as a crucial contribution to understanding the current geopolitical divide, offering insights into why Russia’s break with the West is likely irreversible in the foreseeable future.


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