Did the Cold War really end?

Key Concepts

• The Dark Side of the Earth: A metaphor for the current global state where democracy is no longer fashionable and authoritarianism is becoming acceptable.
• Short-Lived Victory Over Totalitarianism: Refers to the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union when democracy seemed ascendant.
• End of History: Francis Fukuyama's concept suggesting the universal triumph of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government.
• Cynicism (Soviet Value): A core Soviet value, as described by Mikhail Zygar, characterized by a disbelief in ideals and a focus on self-interest and opportunism.
• Cold War: The ideological and geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies.
• War for Russia: The perspective that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is primarily driven by Vladimir Putin's internal political needs rather than external territorial ambitions.

The Fall of the Soviet Union and the Shifting Global Landscape

Mikhail Zygar's book, "The Dark Side of the Earth," examines the fall of the Soviet Union and what he terms Russia's "short-lived victory over totalitarianism." The central thesis is that the world is currently experiencing a decline in belief in democracy, a stark contrast to the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Key Points:

• Democracy's Decline: Zygar observes a global shift where authoritarianism is no longer stigmatized. Leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Viktor Orbán are openly embracing authoritarian styles of governance. This contrasts with the past, where even pro-Western dictators like Augusto Pinochet eventually resigned or accepted referendums, and pro-Soviet dictators abdicated.
• The "Bright Side of the Earth": The late 80s and early 90s were characterized by a widespread belief in democracy, famously termed "The End of History" by Francis Fukuyama. This era was seen as a period of progress and optimism, where the future was perceived as inherently better.
• The Collapse of Authoritarianism: The Soviet Union and other authoritarian systems collapsed due to the efforts of "true believers" in democracy, both within the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and in the West.

The Ambiguous Outcome of the Cold War

The book questions who truly won the Cold War, suggesting that the answer is now more complex than it appeared two decades ago.

Key Points:

• Skepticism Towards Democracy: There is a growing sense of skepticism and deep-seated suspicion about the benefits of democracy, leading to questions about whether the ideological conflict of the 20th century has truly ended.
• A New or Renewed Cold War: Zygar posits that the world might be living through a "new Cold War" or even the continuation of the same one. He highlights Vladimir Putin as a product of the Soviet Union, raised with "Soviet values."

The Role of Cynicism and Putin's Motivations

Zygar identifies cynicism as a crucial Soviet value that influences current geopolitical dynamics, particularly through Vladimir Putin.

Key Points:

• Putin's Soviet Upbringing: Putin was "raised with Soviet values," the most important of which is "cynicism." This means a disbelief in anything, a lack of faith in communism or a better future, and a focus on opportunism.
• Exporting Cynicism: Putin is now "exporting that kind of cynicism" and is actively engaged in recreating or maintaining the "same old Cold War."
• The Appeal of Cold War Dynamics: Zygar suggests that many people, not just Putin, "love Cold War" dynamics.

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: A War for Russia

Zygar argues that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is driven by Vladimir Putin's internal political agenda.

Key Points:

• Putin's Desire for an External Enemy: Putin "wants this war" because he needs an "external enemy" to "repress Russian people" and recreate an "atmosphere of fear in the country."
• Internal Political Motivation: The invasion is primarily a "war for Russia" rather than a war for Ukraine. While acknowledging the terrible suffering of Ukrainians, Zygar asserts that Putin initiated the conflict to "stay in power forever."
• Generational Ambition: Putin belongs to a generation that "never had a hope to come to power," implying his actions are partly driven by a desire to secure his own perpetual rule.

Conclusion

Mikhail Zygar's "The Dark Side of the Earth" presents a compelling argument that the world is moving away from democratic ideals and towards a resurgence of authoritarianism. The legacy of the Cold War, particularly the pervasive cynicism fostered by the Soviet system, continues to shape global politics, with Vladimir Putin embodying this trend. The invasion of Ukraine, in this view, is not an expansionist endeavor but a strategic move by Putin to consolidate his power internally by creating an external threat and fostering fear among the Russian populace. The book serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to remember the struggle for democracy and to understand the forces that are currently undermining it.