Russian analyst Dugin’s threat to Türkiye sparks backlash: Here is why he is unimportant

Russia’s self-proclaimed philosopher Alexander Dugin’s comment on social media platform X sparked a backlash in Turkish media.

The 62-year-older’s tweet was viewed by 3.6 million people, mostly Turkish users.

He said, “Syria was a trap for Erdogan. He has made a strategic mistake. He has betrayed Russia. He has betrayed Iran. He is doomed. Now, the end of Kemal’s Turkey has begun. We have supported you until now. From now on, you will repent.”

Dugin, who enjoys a significant reputation in Türkiye and is considered to be a ‘close associate’ of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, is often promoted by a small Eurasian Turkish party that is influential in shaping public opinion in Türkiye.

Dugin holds no official role

Despite his reputation, he holds no official role in Russia and does not work closely with Putin. His influence over Putin’s decision-making process is subject to debate, despite some referring to him as “Putin’s brain” or “Putin’s Rasputin.” Many commentators deem it as self-branding by Dugin himself.

He once claimed that Washington sanctioned his books in the United States, despite no official ban on the matter.

The self-proclaimed philosopher is a staunch supporter of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and he calls Putin an exemplary leader.

In August 2022, his daughter was killed in a car bomb attack that Russian authorities blamed on Kyiv.