What Do Nazi Germany And Modern Russia Have In Common?

By Author: Martin Koppar
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The historical parallels are strikingly similar, right down to the deceptive military invasion of another country. It seems as though these events share the same director. Eighty years later, it feels like the same runaway train has been placed back on the same tracks, headed towards disaster, and we, dear readers, are passengers on this journey. Even if we are geographically far from the epicenter, we are all, in a sense, on this doomed train. This isn’t an exaggeration or hyperbole—if World War III erupts, it will affect everyone, and we will all regret it.
Modern Russia’s Actions Our aim here isn’t to conduct an in-depth analysis or expose all of Russia’s far-right fascists because, quite frankly, such groups exist in nearly every country. Instead, we want to take a broader look at the situation and understand: is this unfolding according to some hidden plan, or is it simply a bizarre series of coincidences leading to the brink of another great war?
With that in mind, let’s delve into the factors outlined and begin to answer the essential questions.
1. Does contemporary Russia have an ideology ...
... of racial superiority? The answer, undeniably, is yes.
Nationalist ideologies are widely propagated by political leaders, religious figures, intellectuals, and media outlets. Ideas like Russian “chosenness” are woven into the fabric of society, discussed extensively in books, on media platforms, and across countless websites. They are embedded in people’s consciousness and serve as a critical foundation for this worldview. Numerous sources touch on this, but Wikipedia conveniently compiles a broad range of quotes and references.
Here are a few key points:
The Russian Idea Russian Messianism God-bearing Nation Moscow, the Third Rome Slavophilism Aryan Ideology and the Fourth Reich
The Russian Idea refers to the philosophical concept of Russia's historical uniqueness and the idea that the Russian people have a special mission or global purpose. This idea, rooted in Russian philosophy, became known internationally after Vladimir Solovyov's 1888 lecture in Paris. It was later embraced by thinkers like Nikolai Berdyaev, Ivan Ilyin, and others. However, an extreme version of this concept exists among Russian nationalists, neo-Nazis, and neo-pagans. These groups view Russians as the epitome of the "Aryan race," superior to all others. They propagate beliefs of racial purity and cultural superiority, positioning Jews and Judaism as primary enemies of the Russian and Aryan people.
Russian Messianism promotes the idea that Russia is uniquely positioned to combat "universal evil" and lead the world. This notion, entwined with Russian nationalism, portrays Russians as a nation of "God-bearers," essential to the salvation of Christians worldwide.
God-bearing Nation emphasizes Russia's divine mission, asserting that the Russian people have a special role in history as defenders of the Orthodox Christian faith. The concept ties into Russian Orthodox fundamentalism, which sees Moscow as the spiritual center of truth and virtue.
Moscow, the Third Rome is a theological and political theory asserting that Russia is the legitimate successor to the Roman and Byzantine Empires. This idea frames Russia as the last bastion of true Christian authority, charged with preserving moral and spiritual purity.
Slavophilism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th century, advocating for Russia's distinct path, separate from Western Europe. Slavophiles believed that Russia had a unique spiritual and cultural mission, especially in spreading Orthodox Christian values.
The Fourth Reich is a concept embraced by some in Slavic neo-paganism. It envisions Russia as the builder of a new Aryan empire, a global power that will lead the world in a final battle against evil. This ideology, deeply rooted in Russian nationalism, sees the Russian people as inherently superior and destined to rule over Eurasia.
2. Is there a dominant religion in Russia? Yes, there is.
The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is the largest Orthodox Christian Church globally and the most influential religious organization in Russia. Over the past two decades, ROC has effectively monopolized the "religious market" in Russia, suppressing smaller religious movements, many of which have been labeled as extremist or terrorist organizations. ROC's overwhelming influence and power in Russia’s spiritual realm cannot be overstated.
3. Is dissent being suppressed in Russia? Indeed, dissent is being quashed.
The Russian Orthodox Church, along with anti-cult activists, has played a significant role in suppressing dissenting voices, particularly those of smaller religious groups. Alexander Dvorkin, a prominent anti-cult figure, has led efforts to combat "destructive sects," mirroring practices from pre-war Nazi Germany. Undesirable religious organizations and individuals have been persecuted, reinforcing a uniform public opinion, which ultimately makes the population easier to rally for war.
4. Is there war propaganda in modern Russia? Absolutely.
Since 2014, when the first conflict in Donbas began, Russia’s propaganda efforts have intensified. Public figures, ideologues of the “Russian world,” and ROC leaders have all worked together to demonize Ukraine and justify the ongoing war. After the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this rhetoric expanded further, portraying the West as Russia’s ultimate enemy. Today, a Russian citizen opposing the war faces imprisonment or labeling as a "foreign agent," akin to the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany.
In essence, the ideological indoctrination in modern Russia, particularly by the Russian Orthodox Church, eerily mirrors that of Nazi Germany. The church's rhetoric, which encourages prayers for war victory rather than peace, reflects a dictatorial mindset in place.
Who benefits from this “Holy War”? As of March 2024, the Russian Orthodox Church issued a mandate framing the ongoing war as a holy battle. This document, directed at the government, pushes for complete control over Ukraine post-war. The content contradicts Christian teachings, supporting violence and xenophobia, and indicates that Orthodox Christianity in Russia today is repeating the mistakes of Protestantism in Nazi Germany.
The final question is: who truly benefits from this so-called “holy” war, and where will it lead?