Rationalizing the war in Ukraine through religion: The Orthodox Church and Russia’ imperialist motif (A response to Hans-Herbert Kögler)

Abstract

Hans-Herbert Kögler ’ s essay is an original and illuminating contribution to the discussion on how to ethically approach the Russo-Ukrainian War. 1 In my response, I concentrate on the aspects of Kögler ’ s essay where he emphasizes the necessity of understanding the ‘ rationality ’ of Russia ’ s actions – as a condition of eventual negotiations and peace-making. I will focus on four themes, promoted by the Russian Orthodox Church – Russkii mir , Eurasianism, collective versus individual rights, and militarism – the conjunction of which provides theological hermeneutics consistent with the invasion of Ukraine. Kögler is right in pointing out that the expansionist character of Russia did not appear overnight in February 2022 but was building over the last decades. Over this period, Russia has internalized, yet again, the imperialist motif of its czarist and Soviet history. One could wonder to what extent the Russian political leadership is under the influence of Alexander Dugin or, indeed, any other philosophical or ideological frameworks of thought. However, I suggest that there has been an overlapping consensus, to use a Rawlsian term, between Russian policymakers, conservative intellectuals and the Church, which made the 2022 invasion actively or passively supported by the majority of the Russian population. The arguments to which different players appeal vary, but they