Tweet Accuses Prominent Critic James Lindsay of Past Association with Russian Ultranationalist Aleksandr Dugin

A recent tweet from user "StopBSWokeCulture 🇺🇸" has ignited discussion by alleging that author and critic James Lindsay previously promoted the ideas of controversial Russian political philosopher Aleksandr Dugin. The tweet, addressed to "@finn20142017 @Restitutor_ @ConceptualJames," specifically states, > "Most don’t until they dig into the research. I didn’t, until I took the time. This book is relatively cheap for an academic book. Dugin is a fraud and cult fanatic and Barnes was pushing him YEARS ago. Let that sink in."

The accusation centers on Aleksandr Dugin, a prominent figure in Russian ultranationalist circles, known for his anti-Western views and the development of "neo-Eurasianism" and the "Fourth Political Theory." Dugin, born in 1962, has been described by various sources as a "far-right political philosopher," a "harmless cult figure" by some, and "Putin's Rasputin" or "Putin's brain" by others, despite varying assessments of his direct influence on the Kremlin. His ideology often incorporates elements of occultism, traditionalism, and a critique of modern liberalism.

James Lindsay, recognized for his critiques of "woke-Marxism" and postmodern theory, has publicly discussed Dugin in the context of the "post-liberal right." While Lindsay has positioned himself as an opponent of various forms of totalitarianism, the tweet implies a past endorsement or promotion of Dugin's work, specifically mentioning a "book" and that "Barnes was pushing him YEARS ago." This suggests a historical connection that the tweet's author views as problematic given Dugin's controversial status as a "fraud and cult fanatic."

Dugin's "Fourth Political Theory" advocates for a new geopolitical order that transcends liberalism, communism, and fascism, often seen as a philosophical justification for Russian expansionism and a multipolar world. His writings, including "The Foundations of Geopolitics," have reportedly been influential in some Russian military and academic circles. The tweet's call to "dig into the research" suggests a challenge to examine Lindsay's past engagement with such figures.

The tweet's content highlights a perceived incongruity or a past association that the author believes should be scrutinized. The reference to an "academic book" implies that Dugin's ideas are presented in a scholarly format, making them accessible to a wider audience, and thus, according to the tweet, requiring careful discernment. The social media post serves to draw attention to this alleged historical link between a Western critic and a divisive Russian ideologue, urging further investigation into the nature and extent of the connection.