444 Vejas Liulevicius

Vejas G. Liulevicius (Vėjas Gabrielius Liulevičius)

Author

Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Tennessee and is the author of War Land on the Eastern Front: Culture, National Identity, and German Occupation in World War I (2000). He has...

Source: Google Books

  • Born: 1966

The main arguments

  • Historical Purpose and Class Struggle: Liulevicius discusses Marx's view that history is driven by class struggles, suggesting a purposeful trajectory toward the liberation of the proletariat. This perspective frames Marxism as a historical narrative that justifies revolutionary violence, influencing various movements throughout history.

  • Contradictions in Marxism: The episode highlights the inherent contradictions within Marx's theories, particularly the tension between advocating for revolutionary violence and the ultimate goal of achieving a peaceful, classless society. This contradiction raises questions about the practicality of achieving utopia through violent means, which is crucial for understanding the failures of various communist regimes.

  • Fascism vs. Communism: Liulevicius explores the ideological battle between fascism and communism, noting their significant differences despite both seeking to overthrow liberal democracy. Fascism emphasizes nationalism and racial purity, while communism focuses on class struggle and the abolition of class distinctions.

  • Totalitarianism: The discussion includes the concept of totalitarianism, as articulated by Hannah Arendt, describing regimes that seek total control over society. Liulevicius argues that both Nazi Germany and Stalin's Soviet Union, despite their ideological differences, shared characteristics of totalitarian governance, including the suppression of dissent and the demand for absolute loyalty.

  • The Role of Ideology in Governance: Liulevicius examines how ideologies like communism and fascism can take on religious characteristics, with leaders treated as savior figures. This notion challenges the perception of these ideologies as purely secular, suggesting they can embody a form of secular religion that deeply influences societal structures and individual beliefs.

Any notable quotes

  • "History is not just random events, but rather it’s history, we might say, with a capital H, history moving in a deliberate direction."

  • This quote encapsulates Marx's view of history as purposeful, foundational to his ideology.

  • "The passion for destruction is also a creative passion."

  • Bakunin's quote highlights the anarchist perspective on revolution, contrasting with Marxist views on organized change.

  • "Nazism claimed that because they saw the Jews as a demonic element in human history, the Bolsheviks didn’t really believe all of this economic dialectical materialism. They were in fact a racial conspiracy."

  • This statement illustrates the extreme ideological opposition between Nazis and communists, showcasing how each side demonized the other.

  • "What if this is not a model that comes to us from benighted uncivilized ages? What if this is what the future is going to look like?"

  • Liulevicius reflects on Arendt's warning about the potential for totalitarianism to shape future governance, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such systems.

  • "The most amazing and surprising heroic resistance that continues to this day."

  • This quote refers to the unexpected resilience of Ukrainians against Russian aggression, highlighting the complexities of national identity and resistance in the context of historical imperialism.

Relevant topics or themes

  • Ideological Foundations of Communism: The episode delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Marxism, including dialectical materialism and historical materialism, discussing how these ideas influenced revolutionary practice.

  • Violence and Revolution: The necessity of violence in achieving revolutionary goals is a recurring theme. Liulevicius discusses how Marx believed the proletariat must undergo a violent revolution to achieve class consciousness, raising ethical questions about the means used to achieve ideological ends.

  • The Role of Historical Context: The conversation emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding the rise of communism and fascism, particularly the socio-economic conditions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that made these ideologies appealing.

  • Anarchism and Its Discontents: The tension between anarchism and Marxism is explored, highlighting ideological rifts within leftist movements and the challenges of uniting various factions.

  • The Legacy of Totalitarianism: The episode concludes with reflections on the legacy of totalitarian regimes and their adaptations in various political contexts, raising questions about the future of authoritarian ideologies in contemporary society.

  • The War in Ukraine: The discussion shifts to contemporary issues, particularly the war in Ukraine. Liulevicius expresses pessimism about the potential for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing how accumulated suffering complicates peacemaking efforts and raises concerns about future conflicts.

  • Historical Perspectives on Leadership: Liulevicius shares insights on interviewing historical figures, emphasizing the importance of understanding their backgrounds and expectations. He discusses how leaders' formative experiences shape their actions and decisions, providing a lens through which to analyze their behavior.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the complexities surrounding Marxism, fascism, and totalitarianism, enriched by Liulevicius's expertise as a historian. The discussion offers listeners a nuanced understanding of these critical ideological battles and their implications for modern political thought, while also addressing contemporary issues like the war in Ukraine and the nature of leadership.