Michael Millerman, author of "Inside 'Putin’s Brain'," joins James Poulos to discuss his research on Aleksandr Dugin and how he translated his philosophical works from Russian. Dugin has been referred to as “the most dangerous philosopher in the world” and “Putin’s brain” many times due to his strong influence on Vladimir Putin. From "The Fourth Political Theory" to the crisis of modernity, Millerman explains how Dugin’s analyses have shaped Russia’s morality and Putin’s policies. They also discuss the difference between anti-Western ideology in Russia and that in regimes like Iran. Under Dugin’s influence, Russia awkwardly sits between the United States and China geopolitically while also trying to preserve humanity through traditional values. The two contrast Western philosophers with philosophers like Dugin, Martin Heidegger, and Friedrich Nietzsche. Millerman stresses the importance of studying philosophy to help shape rationality in politics and society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices