Russian Political and Legal Thought on the Culture of State Building

Abstract

The paper shows how Russian thinkers understand culture and its unifying role in society and the state. The imperfection inherent in Russian society determined the movement of thought from existing to what is due. In a complex, long-term process of searching for what is due, Russian thinkers have developed high-quality ideas aimed at an ideal understanding, a just structure and action of the state. Justification of the ideal structure of state life was associated with the comprehension of the meaning of life, the national idea, the essence of power, the state. It was argued that without their understanding, the state cannot determine not only the highest goal, but also specific historical tasks. It cannot develop just and effective state decrees. Due to the modern westernization process in Russia, the priority of material culture focused on material enrichment, success, and prestige in society was established at the official level. This led to the loss of culture’s true role and national characteristics. By proclaiming a quantitative criterion, modern culture has separated people, ceased to fulfill a unifying mission in society, the state, and to serve the quality of national life. Repressed at the official level, Russian culture is preserved in various spheres of the national consciousness and the unconscious. The task of reviving, preserving and exalting Russia requires a real restructuring of the Russian state in accordance with the principles of its own political and legal culture. The search for the solution to this problem encourages an in-depth analysis, second thought and new interpretation of the established understanding and role of culture in the structure and life of a state-organized society developed by Russian thinkers.