Volker Weiß decodes political theology behind Thiel and Dugin's 'Katechon'
Historian Volker Weiß has published an essay titled 'Der Katechon. Zur Wiederkehr der politischen Theologie in der Gegenwart' (Klett-Cotta, 2026, 128 pages, €18), analyzing why ultranationalists like Peter Thiel and Alexander Dugin invoke the biblical motif of the Katechon—a restraining force against the Antichrist—to frame Western liberalism and lifestyle as apocalyptic threats. Weiß argues that this theological premise is key to understanding the Trump administration's actions, including bizarre attacks on the Pope, which reflect a radicalized political theology rather than mere provocation. The essay serves as a handbook for comprehending the approaching 'world civil war' and the exhaustion of those trying to counter spectacle politics with composure.
Key facts
- Volker Weiß published 'Der Katechon. Zur Wiederkehr der politischen Theologie in der Gegenwart' with Klett-Cotta in 2026.
- The essay is 128 pages long and costs €18.
- Weiß analyzes the use of the Katechon motif by Peter Thiel and Alexander Dugin.
- The Katechon is a biblical concept of a restraining force against the Antichrist.
- Ultranationalists declare Western lifestyle and liberalism as products of the Antichrist.
- The Trump administration's theological premises are key to understanding its actions.
- Bizarre attacks on the Pope were serious threats, not just head-shaking provocations.
- The essay is described as a handbook for understanding the approaching world civil war.
Entities
Artists
- Volker Weiß
- Peter Thiel
- Alexander Dugin
Institutions
- Klett-Cotta
- Trump administration
- US government
- Catholic Church