‘Guardians of Heritage’: A Clarion Call for European Identity

by Alex Raynor

Alex Raynor reviews Guardians of Heritage: The Iliade Institute’s Call to Action, which passionately champions the preservation and revitalization of European identity in an age of globalization and cultural homogenization.

In an era marked by rapid globalization and cultural homogenization, Guardians of Heritage is a thought-provoking manifesto that seeks to rekindle the flame of European identity. This compelling work by the Iliade Institute presents a passionate argument for the preservation and revitalization of Europe’s rich cultural heritage.

For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past decade, the Iliade Institute is the new torchbearer of the European New Right (ENR) in the 21^st century. They continue the legacy of great thinkers like Alain de Benoist, Guillaume Faye, Giorgio Locchi, and, especially, Dominique Venner — to whom this book is dedicated.

The book is divided into three main sections: “Roots,” “Being in the World,” and “Becoming.” Each chapter builds upon the previous, creating a cohesive narrative that explores the multifaceted nature of European identity and its significance in the modern world.

Roots: The Foundation of Identity

The authors begin by addressing the fundamental question of human identity, challenging the notion of “abstract man” prevalent in modern liberal discourse. They argue convincingly that our biological, familial, and cultural roots are integral to our sense of self and cannot be discarded in favor of a universalist ideology.

The book’s exploration of biological belonging is particularly nuanced, acknowledging the role of genetics in shaping human characteristics while also emphasizing the crucial importance of cultural transmission. This balanced approach helps to steer clear of reductionist arguments while still recognizing the reality of human biodiversity.

The section on family lineage is especially poignant, highlighting the importance of intergenerational bonds in preserving cultural heritage. The authors make a compelling case for the family as the “bridge that links nature and culture,” a perspective that offers a refreshing counterpoint to increasingly atomized modern societies.

Being in the World: Living European Values

The second part of the book explores how European identity manifests in daily life, from our relationship with nature to our political and economic systems. The authors present a vision of Europeans living in harmony with their natural environment, advocating for a form of ecological thinking rooted in local traditions and landscapes.

Their critique of consumerism and the commodification of culture is particularly incisive. By contrasting the ethos of “being” to “having,” the book challenges readers to reconsider their priorities and embrace a more authentic mode of existence aligned with European values.

The discussion on technology is notably balanced, recognizing both its potential benefits and its capacity for alienation. The authors propose a thoughtful approach to technological progress that maintains human agency and cultural continuity.

Becoming: Shaping the Future of Europe

The final section of the book is perhaps its most inspiring, outlining a vision for Europe’s future that is rooted in its past but not bound by it. The authors call for a “conservative revolution” that seeks to reinvigorate European culture and identity in the face of globalizing forces.

Their emphasis on community-building and education as key strategies for cultural preservation is particularly noteworthy. The book offers practical suggestions for fostering a sense of belonging and transmitting cultural knowledge to future generations.

The authors’ vision of a renewed Europe as a “continental power with a special calling” is ambitious and thought-provoking. It is a revisitation of geopolitical propositions, like those from previous ENR thinkers, arguing for a civilizational empire as opposed to the petty nationalisms of yesteryear. While some readers may find this perspective challenging, it undeniably offers a compelling alternative to the prevailing narratives of European decline.

Final Thoughts

Guardians of Heritage is a tour de force of cultural introspection, offering a passionate defense of European identity that is both timely and contentious. It remains a vital contribution to the ongoing dialogue about European identity. Its willingness to tackle thorny issues head-on, even at the risk of controversy, is commendable in an era often characterized by intellectual timidity.

The authors’ call for a “conservative revolution” is perhaps the book’s boldest proposition that will undoubtedly resonate with those who feel lost and hopeless in this rapidly changing world. Much in the same vein of thought as the German Conservative Revolution movement of the interwar period, it raises complex questions about the nature of progress and the feasibility of reclaiming past cultural paradigms in a globalized age.

Guardians of Heritage is not a book that will leave readers unmoved. It is a clarion call, a philosophical gauntlet thrown down in the public square. Whether one emerges from its pages inspired or incensed, the intellectual journey it offers is undeniably profound.

In an age where discussions of identity often devolve into reductive sloganeering, this book offers a nuanced, if provocative, exploration of what it means to be European. It challenges readers to grapple with their cultural inheritance, to question the prevailing winds of globalization, and to consider the price of forgetting one’s roots.

The authors have crafted a work that serves as both a mirror and a window — reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of many Europeans while offering a view into a possible future shaped by a renewed sense of cultural confidence.

Ultimately, the book’s true value lies not in the answers it provides but in the questions it provokes. It compels us to ask: What aspects of our heritage are worth preserving? How do we maintain cultural distinctiveness in an interconnected world? And perhaps most crucially, how do we honor our past while building a better future?

Guardians of Heritage may not be the final word on European identity, but it is certainly a powerful opening statement in a conversation that will shape the continent’s future. It challenges, provokes, and ultimately enriches our understanding of the complex tapestry that is European heritage.

Purchase Guardians of Heritage here.