Key Moments
Philosopher Slavoj Žižek on the re-election of Donald Trump & his fears for Western values
Oxford UnionKey Moments
Slavoj Žižek argues that true atheism requires understanding Christianity's radical concept of God's self-erasure, and that liberal democracy is too weak to handle global crises, suggesting a need for stronger, long-term political thinking.
Key Insights
Žižek posits that being a true atheist is only possible through Christianity, as it's the only religion that fully acknowledges God's self-erasure and absence, a concept he contrasts with Einstein's view of a harmonious universe.
His wager on Trump winning in 2016 was based on the idea that Trump's election would expose the limitations of American society and catalyze a "socialist reaction," leading to figures like Bernie Sanders gaining prominence.
Žižek believes Trump's continued appeal stems not from his victory, but from the Democrats' loss of approximately 12-13 million votes, and that Trump's perceived vulgarity and lying paradoxically make him relatable to ordinary people.
He fears that Trump's approach to global issues, particularly Ukraine, will be one of superficial modesty and cautious enforcement of peace, potentially at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty and in alignment with Putin's views.
The most dangerous split today is between Western struggles for rights (gay, women's) and anti-colonial struggles, with the West often being perceived as imperialistic, a dynamic he sees reflected in countries like Uganda and Afghanistan under the Taliban.
Žižek concludes that liberal democracy, as currently constituted, is not robust or efficient enough to address the approaching global crises, citing China's long-term political thinking (e.g., towards 2050) as a contrast to the West's short-term electoral cycles.
Christianity as the root of true atheism
Slavoj Žižek begins by exploring his unorthodox view that true atheism can only be achieved through an understanding of Christianity. He argues that simply believing in a material universe devoid of spiritual values is insufficient. Instead, he contrasts Einstein's pantheistic view of a harmonious, ordered universe with the core Christian concept. For Žižek, the radical idea in Christianity is not about a distant God but about the embodiment of God as one of us, and crucially, the 'god of Beyond' dying on the cross. This act signifies God erasing himself from the picture, leaving humanity to forge solidarity and freedom. This concept of 'egalitarian solidarity,' embodied by the Holy Ghost, means true community and freedom arise not from divine decree, but from collective human connection and responsibility. This, he contends, is more radical than typical materialism, which often retains a secret belief in universal harmony or historical necessity, like Stalin's dialectical materialism.
Kant's duty and radical freedom
Žižek illustrates a profound aspect of freedom and responsibility through a story about a governor in Kaliningrad (formerly Königsberg), the birthplace of Immanuel Kant. The governor noted that Kant is remembered for his concept of duty, but Kant pushed this further. For Kant, one is not merely obligated to perform one's duty, but one is responsible for defining what that duty is. This is human freedom at its most radical, intended by Christianity. Žižek emphasizes that one cannot use 'duty' as an excuse for immoral actions, citing Hannah Arendt's analysis of Adolf Eichmann, whose defense was merely 'doing my duty.' Kant's philosophy, and Žižek's interpretation of it, asserts that individuals are fully accountable for their choices, preventing them from abdicating responsibility by claiming to follow orders or fulfill a predetermined duty.
Wagering on Trump: exposing societal fault lines
Addressing his past support for Donald Trump in 2016, Žižek clarifies his position. He admits it was a risky wager, akin to the German Communists' misplaced hope that Hitler's rise would clear the way for true revolution. His motivation was not admiration for Trump but a belief that Trump, lacking a detailed program, would expose the deep fissures within American society. Žižek theorized that the complex, spontaneous texture of American society would resist radical right-wing reforms. Furthermore, he predicted that Trump's presidency would paradoxically foster a socialist reaction, citing the rise of figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He saw the tension within the Democratic party between centrist establishments and democratic socialists as a crucial 'moment of truth,' exemplified by Bernie Sanders sitting alone during Biden's inauguration, embodying the 'fake' aspect of the mainstream Democratic party.
Why Trump resonates: the Democrats' failure
Žižek argues that Trump's continued appeal is less about his inherent strengths and more about the Democrats' significant losses, with approximately 12-13 million fewer votes cast for them. He suggests that many ordinary people, including intellectuals, suffer from a 'depravity' that enjoys negative or scandalous content. Crucially, Žižek posits that the very characteristics liberals find disqualifying in Trump—his vulgarity, his improvisational lies—actually enhance his connection with voters. They perceive him as 'sincere' and 'one of us,' holding him to a different standard than figures like Kamala Harris. This paradoxical identification undermines the liberal critique and highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of how certain voters respond to perceived authenticity, even in a politician who frequently dissembles.
Global impact and the Ukraine paradox
On the international stage, Žižek fears Trump will not initiate new wars but will pursue a more cautious, superficial approach to peace, particularly regarding Ukraine. He believes Trump will pressure Ukraine, acknowledging Ukraine's own issues with corruption and Western capital's influence (e.g., 40% of Ukrainian arable land reportedly in Western hands). While rejecting the idea that Ukraine is merely a proxy for NATO, as it would be humiliating for Ukrainians, he highlights the stark choice they face: war or disappearance. Žižek also expresses confusion and dismay over the leftist embrace of Putin, who has explicitly denied Ukraine's distinct national identity, referencing Lenin. He notes Trump's track record of not starting new wars and providing ambiguous hints to leaders like Netanyahu, suggesting a preference for de-escalation, albeit through means that may be concerning.
The dangerous gap between Western rights and anti-colonialism
Žižek identifies the most dangerous contemporary split as the chasm between Western struggles for rights (gay rights, women's rights) and anti-colonial movements in the so-called 'Third World.' He argues that the West's advocacy for these rights is often perceived as a form of cultural imperialism, a dynamic exemplified by Uganda's harsh anti-homosexuality laws, where proponents framed gay rights as a Western neo-colonialist agenda. He criticizes the BRICS nations' formula of uniting against Western imperialism while ignoring internal human rights issues, citing Putin's alliance with the Taliban as a prime example. Žižek dreams of overcoming this gap, where supporting LGBT and women's rights does not equate to being an imperialist, and where anti-colonialism is not used as a shield for oppression, recalling the protests in Iran following Mahsa Amini's death and the anti-Netanyahu demonstrations in Israel.
Liberal democracy's inadequacy for future crises
Concluding his analysis, Žižek states that current liberal democracy is fundamentally insufficient to confront the approaching global crises. He references a conversation with a Chinese official who contrasted the West's short-term, two-to-four-year electoral thinking with China's long-term strategic planning, projecting to 2050. Žižek acknowledges that while he doesn't advocate for a Chinese-style 'soft fascism,' the crisis necessitates stronger global cooperation and long-term political foresight. He points to Emmanuel Macron's quasi-suspension of democratic processes in France to avoid economic chaos as an example of the difficult choices that may arise. The implication is that the current democratic models, focused on immediate consensus and short election cycles, are ill-equipped for the profound challenges ahead, potentially requiring a re-evaluation of governance structures.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Organizations
●Concepts
●People Referenced
Ukrainian Land Ownership
Data extracted from this episode
| Land Type | Percentage Owned by Western Capital |
|---|---|
| Best Ukrainian Earth (for growing plants) | 40% |
Common Questions
Žižek proposes an unorthodox idea that true atheism can only be achieved through Christianity. He believes that simply dismissing spiritual values is insufficient; one must engage with the core tenets of Christianity to arrive at a profound atheistic stance.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Her potential rise to power in France is discussed as a reason for considering limitations on Western liberal democracy.
Mentioned in contrast to Einstein regarding quantum physics and the nature of God, with Bohr's retort 'Don't tell God what to do' being highlighted.
Mentioned as having received an ambiguous hint from Trump to stop certain actions, possibly related to the conflict in the Middle East.
His emergence as a 'democratic socialist' is seen as a reaction to Trump. His appeal to disappointed voters, including small farmers, is highlighted.
Her perceived lack of clear positions and tendency to seek consensus are critiqued, contrasting with Bernie Sanders' direct approach.
Mentioned in reference to his movie 'The Great Dictator,' used as an analogy for the potential suppression of applause or dissent.
His philosophy on duty is discussed, particularly the idea that individuals are responsible for their own duty and cannot use it as an excuse for harmful actions, exemplified by the 'Amman' defense.
Mentioned as representing 'fatal inertia' in the 2016 election, contrasting with Trump's potential for disruption.
Praised for his 'genius' in de facto suspending democracy in France to avoid economic crisis and instability, using constitutional mechanisms to control government appointments.
Mentioned for her work on Adolf Eichmann's defense ('just doing my duty'), which Kant's philosophy prohibits.
Referred to as 'AOC,' she is seen as part of the mainstream, and her perceived failure to take a clear stance on issues is critiqued.
Mentioned as the director of a 'disgusting movie' that was used as a humorous lead-in to discussing reasons for Trump's appeal.
His inauguration is recalled, contrasting with Bernie Sanders sitting alone on the stairs, symbolizing what Žižek saw as fake about the Democratic party.
His statement 'God is subtle but God doesn't cheat' is discussed as an example of a 'big other' or pantheistic view of a harmonious universe.
His defense in court, 'I was just doing my duty,' is used as an example that Kant's philosophy rejects.
His relationship with Trump is noted. Putin's speeches critical of Lenin's role in Ukraine's formation are mentioned, alongside his official stance on the Taliban.
Mentioned as the subject of the re-election, with discussion around his appeal, past election support, and potential future impact on global politics. His lying and vulgarity are discussed as paradoxical strengths.
Mentioned in relation to Hegel, suggesting Marx was more idealist than Hegel.
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