Varouxakis argues the term 'the West' became a political‑civilizational identity in the early 19th century specifically in response to Russia’s rise, displacing Europe’s prior north–south mental map. It began as an anti‑imperial, culturally grounded alliance concept rather than a late‑Victorian imperial or racial project.
— This reframes current debates about 'Western civilization' and NATO/Ukraine by showing the West’s identity was constructed against Russia, not to legitimize colonialism.
Razib Khan
2025.09.29
55% relevant
Both pieces tackle how 'the West' was historically constructed; Khan emphasizes Latin Christendom as the civilizational boundary (e.g., Hungary’s papal crown in 1000 AD) while Varouxakis highlights the 19th‑century east–west identity forged against Russia—complementary frames about defining the West’s perimeter and meaning.
Max Skjönsberg
2025.08.25
100% relevant
The review cites Germaine de Staël’s east–west framing after the Napoleonic Wars and elite calls for a 'Western' alliance against Russia, contrasting with Voltaire’s earlier inclusion of Russia within 'Europe.'
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