‘The Spiritual and Moral Foundation of Civilization in Every Nation for Thousands of Years’: The Traditional Values Discourse in Russia

Abstract

The concept of ‘traditional values’ occupies the place of honor in public discourse in Russia today being one of the components of the new ideological narrative. The article is focused on the strategy of the promotion of traditional values by its secular and religious protagonists. It includes three thematic sections: (1) the analysis of the interpretation of the historical past and its place in the concept of traditional values; (2) the investigation of the role of ‘the West’ as ‘enemy’ in constructing national identity and defending traditional values; and (3) the examination of the opposition of universality and particularism with regard to traditional values. The author concludes that the concept of traditional values as a response to social and political challenges is promoted by secular powers and religious authorities for the ideological consolidation of Russian society, as well as for the recruiting potential allies on the international arena. At the same time, the noticeable presence of traditional values in public discourse indicates the thirst for reliable meanings in the process of the search for national identity.