Confessions of a Moderately-Conservative Communist: Europe, Ukraine, and the Politics of Shame
In this essay, Slavoj Žižek responds to Peter Sloterdijk’s view that Europe must learn to stand aside as an observer of future catastrophes. Žižek argues that Europe cannot simply be neutral, because events in Ukraine are tied to Europe’s own future, past, and political fate. He also connects the war to broader concerns about Russia, Europe’s vulnerability, and the possibility of a weakened, depoliticized continent. The piece then shifts to the legacy of 1968 and the rise of shameless populist politics, using Trump and Vance as examples of a political style built on brutality, lack of shame, and mob dynamics.
Europe cannot be a neutral observer
Žižek questions Sloterdijk’s claim that Europe should become a detached witness to violence around its borders. He argues that Europe is not outside these crises, but implicated in them, since its own security and historical self-understanding are at stake.
Ukraine as a test of Europe’s future
The essay frames support for Ukraine as more than sympathy for a victim. For Žižek, what happens in Ukraine will shape Europe’s future identity and even how Europe understands its past. If Ukraine is defeated or reduced in status, Europe itself would be spiritually diminished.
The legacy of 1968 and shameless politics
Žižek turns to the political culture shaped by the legacy of 1968, arguing that its descendants include figures like Trump and Elon Musk. He emphasizes Sloterdijk’s description of Trump as shameless and notes that this lack of shame appeals to followers who also want to act without restraint.
Trump, Vance, and the appeal of brutality
The piece suggests that Trump’s power may decline, but warns that a successor such as Vance could be even worse. The final point is that shamelessness can normalize guilt without remorse, making political cruelty easier to display openly.
Key takeaways
- Žižek rejects the idea that Europe can safely observe crises from the sidelines.
- He presents the war in Ukraine as central to Europe’s own historical and political future.
- The essay links contemporary populism to shamelessness and mob behavior.
- Trump is portrayed as emblematic of a politics that rejects guilt and restraint.
- Žižek warns that Europe could be weakened culturally and politically if current trends continue.
Source: Slavoj Žižek, "Confessions of a Moderately-Conservative Communist" (Substack), June 13, 2026. Original: https://slavoj.substack.com/p/confessions-of-a-moderately-conservative Read the original post on Substack.