Kremlinism: Russia's Malign Civilizational Force

This article considers Russian aggression against Ukraine within the context of a global clash between malign anti-civilizational forces and civilization. It posits that today’s world situation should be understood as one positioned on a civilizational fault line. The conflict between these two dynamics is a key feature of the 21st century. The contemporary global terror stemming from the genocide of the Ukrainian people is linked to the growing phenomenon of the “new enemies of totalitarian Russia.” This situation puts individuals and states worldwide at risk. Moscow’s ambitions are not limited locally, regionally, or geographically; they are already impacting the peaceful future of the planet and its existence.
The terms Kremlinism, Ruscism, and Putinism are introduced as manifestations of the Kremlin’s traditional fascism, which is central to Moscow’s anti-civilizational force. The authors analyze Russia’s internal and international use of rhetoric and lawfare. While the Kremlin may be effective in frightening or fooling leaders of democracies, its own citizens are the primary targets of its terrorist efforts. The objective is to demonstrate that a global response is required from civilized citizens and states. This response must outline a favorable vision of a future world where civilization thrives and confidently overcomes the forces of autocracy, authoritarianism, and corruption.