ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Viktor Jerofejew's Simplistic Russia Theory Revisited

opinion-review · 2026-05-06

Viktor Jerofejew's book "Die neue Barbarei" is criticized for its simplistic analysis of Russia, comparing it unfavorably to Iranian opposition's unified political goal. The article argues that while both Iran and Russia have despotic regimes provoking resistance, Iranian opposition seeks democratic change, whereas Russian opposition lacks a common objective, dreaming of diverse moral ideals instead.

Key facts

  • Viktor Jerofejew's book is titled 'Die neue Barbarei'
  • The article compares Russian and Iranian opposition movements
  • Iranian opposition has a unified political goal of democratic change
  • Russian opposition lacks a common political objective
  • Both countries have despotic governments that provoke resistance
  • Russian opposition dreams of different moral ideals
  • The article is a review published in NZZ
  • The review criticizes Jerofejew's theory as simplistic

Entities

Artists

  • Viktor Jerofejew

Institutions

  • NZZ

Locations

  • Russia
  • Iran

Sources