Annotation:
What makes Russia stubbornly pave the way to the end of history? Late only in the eighteenth century, having appeared on the European stage and having failed to find its own special constructive vocation on it, it hurries to be the first to bring down the curtain, threatening to plunge the world into darkness. The book examines the tectonic shifts of our time, as Francis Fukuyama's optimistic “end of history” scenario collides with a new, catastrophic reality. Russia's war with Ukraine and the West is a civilizational split, which is illuminated here in a broad cultural and historical perspective. The ways of transformation of the “Russian world” into an anti-world that threatens the entire planet with destruction are traced, its main facets are revealed: anti-existence, anti-time, anti-society, anti-morality, anti-language... The nature of schizophrenic fascism and the new apocalyptic, which has incorporated state orthodoxy, archaic cult of soil, war and death, Eurasian hatred of the West, and features of Nazi ideology. Political events serve as the subject of philosophical, cultural and linguistic analysis, drawing on extensive media material, the legacy of Russian literature and intellectual history.
“This striking book not only explains the metaphysics of the political plague, the nature of the 'anti-world' and the civilizational catastrophe into which Russia may drag humanity. This book gives hope to Russian speech, restores dignity to the Russian word.”
Mikhail Shishkin, writer
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
