Westernism

An overarching ideology that serves as the Western world’s mirror image of Ruscism: a belief in the inherent superiority of Western civilization (liberal democracy, capitalism, secularism, individualism) and the right to impose it globally. Westernism dismisses alternative modernities as backward or authoritarian, justifies interventionism as “humanitarian,” and treats criticism as ingratitude or disloyalty. It is less state-centered than Ruscism but equally dogmatic, often appearing in “end of history” triumphalism. Westernism can be held by politicians, journalists, and academics who see Western values as universal truths rather than one tradition among many.

Example: “She claimed that any society without Western-style elections was ‘unfree’—Westernism, mistaking a particular political package for the definition of human dignity.”

Westernism by Abzugal April 18, 2026

International Westernism

The ideological opposite of National Bolshevism, framed from a Western perspective. International Westernism champions a globalized, liberal order based on Western institutions (UN, WTO, ICC, NATO) and values (human rights, free markets, democracy promotion). It is the worldview of Davos, of cosmopolitan elites, and of interventionist humanitarians who believe that Western-led globalization is both inevitable and just. Unlike National Westernism, it is suspicious of national sovereignty and enthusiastic about transnational governance. Critics argue it replicates imperial structures under a universalist mask, imposing Western norms as “international community” dictates.

Example: “She argued that only Western-led NGOs could protect human rights globally—International Westernism, assuming that the West’s version of rights is the only valid one, and that dissent is just parochialism.”

International Westernism by Abzugal April 18, 2026

National Westernism

The polar opposite of National Bolshevism, named after the Western world. National Westernism combines an assertive Western identity with a strong, centralized nation-state—rejecting both globalist supranationalism and radical leftist internationalism. It promotes Western cultural values as rooted in specific national traditions (French, German, American) rather than abstract universals, and it is skeptical of mass immigration and EU federalism. Unlike Ruscism, it nominally supports democracy and rule of law, but it can slide into ethnonationalism and protectionism. It is the ideology of “Fortress Europe” nationalists who still wave the flag of the West.

Example: “He wanted a Europe of strong borders, Christian heritage, and ‘Western values’—National Westernism, where the defense of the West becomes a defense of particular nations against a globalist elite.”

National Westernism by Abzugal April 18, 2026