Emmanuel Todd's 'La Défaite de L’Occident': A Critique of Western Secularization

Emmanuel Todd's latest book, "La Défaite de L’Occident" (The Defeat of the West), argues that secularization has weakened Western societies, making them divided and vulnerable. Todd critiques the West’s involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, suggesting it stems from a misguided sense of nationalism and religious crisis. He presents Russia as a conservative power while viewing Ukraine as fragmented due to varying family structures and ideologies. Todd posits that the decline of religious foundations in Western nations has contributed to social instability and suggests that these societies lack a cohesive public doctrine. Despite his bleak view of the West’s future, he sees Germany as a potential ally against American hegemony.

• Todd argues that secularization has left the West weak and divided.
• He critiques the West's support for Ukraine, viewing it as a misguided effort.
• Todd presents Russia as a stable, conservative power compared to Ukraine's fragmentation.
• He believes the decline of religious and family structures has harmed social cohesion in the West.
• The book raises concerns about the direction of Western politics and society.