Cultural and Civilizational Identity in the Conditions of the Formation of a Polycentric World

Abstract

The transition to a polycentric world is accompanied by increased competition among the major world civilizations, the desire of the West to maintain its dominance through the imposition of its values on subjects of other cultures and the suppression of their traditional identity. Preservation of cultural identity ensures the safety of cultural and historical types, creates the prerequisites for their sustainable development. The fate of the future of our planet is largely connected with the fate of Russian civilization, the prospects of which depend on the strengthening of the cultural and civilizational identity of its representatives. Among the features of Russian civilization, the authors attribute the continuity of cultural achievements of various periods of its existence, its recognition by the subjects of the victors in the Great Patriotic War, the first conquerors of space and peaceful atom, the creators of world-class art. The future of Russia as the pivotal country of Russian civilization is directly related to efforts to uphold the basic values of its culture, protect its cultural and historical heritage, counteract the falsification of its history, and nurture the best traditions of its people. Despite the existence of a number of works devoted to the problems considered in the article, the concept of cultural and civilizational identity needs not only clarification, but also a philosophical rethinking. Based on the analysis of the correlation of the concepts of cultural, civilizational and cultural-civilizational identities, their author’s interpretation is proposed and justified. Particular attention is paid to revealing the features of the culture of Russian civilization, substantiating the positive significance for its strengthening the continuity of cultural achievements, achievements and deeds of representatives of various historical periods of its existence.

Keywords

• identity
• culture
• civilization
• cultural identity
• civilizational identity