The Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, or the “Fourth Turning,” posits that history follows cyclical patterns through four Turnings, each lasting about 20-25 years:
1. High (First Turning) – An era of strong institutions and conformity. Collective confidence is high, and individualism is low.
2. Awakening (Second Turning) – A cultural upheaval where the younger generation rebels against the established norms, leading to spiritual and cultural renewal.
3. Unraveling (Third Turning) – Institutions weaken, individualism increases, and public trust in institutions declines. Society becomes fragmented.
4. Crisis (Fourth Turning) – A period of major upheaval where collective action is necessary to address critical issues, often involving war, economic collapse, or major social change. This leads back to a new High, restarting the cycle.
These cycles are shaped by the collective psychology of different generations (Prophet, Nomad, Hero, and Artist), each with distinct traits influenced by the era they were born into. The theory suggests that understanding these cycles can help predict and prepare for future societal changes.
The Strauss-Howe generational theory marks the transition from one historical cycle to another, a passage symbolized by Donald Trump. Neoconservatism and Christian Zionism are seen as integral parts of the Crisis phase, presenting a significant challenge.
The Strauss-Howe theory is particularly relevant when addressing the dynamic between sociality (holism) and individualism. This is akin to the famous L. Dumont’s dilemma where sociality represents the High, the beginning, and spring, while individualism signifies the Crisis, the end, and winter, with the individual portrayed as Krampus.
Western Modernity, in this context, is the Crisis, the decline (Untergang). Western nominalism and individualism are emblematic of the winter of history, marking the transition from culture to civilization (as per Spengler), and the oblivion of being (Heidegger). The generational theory can be extended to encompass larger historical cycles.
By juxtaposing relatively short cycles like the saeculum and Turnings with the vast seasons of history (such as Tradition, Modernity, Postmodernity), we conclude that Trump signifies the end of a major epoch – the end of the modern world.
This also marks the end of Western Modernity. Postmodernism serves as the philosophical foundation for woke culture and liberal globalism, revealing the nihilism inherent in Western Modernity. This is the culmination of endings, the end of Western history.
Trump finalizes this ending, symbolizing the end of the end. However, the question remains: Is he aware of his mission? Can he initiate a new beginning? The next High cannot be something relative, limited, or local. The next Turning must be a global Conservative Revolution on a worldwide scale.
The next High must signify the overcoming of Modernity, that is, Western individualism, atomism, liberalism, and capitalism. The West must transcend itself. This is why the works of Weaver and political Platonism are so crucial. The next High should be a Great Awakening, but not in the Strauss-Howe sense.
Western Modernity was fundamentally flawed, leading to total degeneration and disaster, culminating in the reign of the Antichrist. Woke culture is the culture of the Antichrist.
The next High can only be the Great Return to Christ. Christ is the King of the world. His authority was temporarily usurped by the prince of this world, but Satan’s rule is ending. Liberals are seen as possessed by Satan, and Modernity itself is satanic. In Hindu terms, this cycle is known as Kali-Yuga, the dark age.
Trump is much more than just Trump; he is a Sign.
By Alexander Dugin