This article by Slavoj Žižek explores the current geopolitical situation in Ukraine and Europe, highlighting the consequences of the US’s shift towards a more pragmatic and potentially compromising stance with Russia. Here are some key points from the article:
1. **The U.S.‘s message is clear**: Negotiations will begin between Washington and Moscow, with Kyiv joining later as a signatory to whatever agreement the two major powers decide.
2. **Implication of exclusion**: Europe is excluded from these negotiations despite being directly affected by the war in Ukraine. This move is seen as an attempt to undermine Europe’s emancipatory legacy.
3. **The role of Putin**: The article questions whether Putin will take these negotiations seriously or use them as another step in Russia’s expansionist agenda, emphasizing that this depends largely on how others respond to Russian politics.
4. **Europe’s autonomy**: Žižek advocates for Europe to assert itself as an autonomous power by:
– Clearly defining and redefining itself.
– Achieving military autonomy through possibly leaving NATO.
– Rethinking its economic policy towards greater coordination and obligatory planning.
5. **Principled pragmatism**: The stance Europe should adopt is one of principled pragmatism, where principles are adjusted in the face of changing circumstances but remain faithful to their core values.
6. **Options for Europe**: One strategic option could be forming an alliance with China against the emerging axis of the US, Russia, and India, despite China’s mixed stance on Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
7. **Concluding pessimism with hope**: Žižek concludes that despite the challenges facing Europe, there is still a chance for miracles to happen, suggesting that being late to digitalization might allow Europeans to learn from others’ mistakes and enter the process in a more informed way, citing Nietzsche’s maxim: “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.”
The article presents a nuanced view of the geopolitical situation, advocating for Europe to take a more active role in asserting its autonomy and core values amidst shifting alliances and aggressive international politics.