The Concept of a ‘State-Civilization’ in Russia: The Contest for National Dignity in the Form of a Civilizational Analysis

Authors

• Ivan Nokhrin, Chelyabinsk State UniversityFollow

Keywords

Russia, state-civilization, nationalism, civilizational analysis, traditional values, Russian identity, monotheistic civilization, nationalism and dignity

Abstract

This article examines the contemporary Russian concept of the “state-civilization” as articulated in official discourse, educational materials, and nationalist thought. It argues that the notion of Russian civilization functions primarily as a symbol of national dignity and exceptionalism rather than an analytically coherent concept. Through analyzing narratives surrounding traditional values, state-centrism, family, and patriotism, the study demonstrates that these themes largely reproduce longstanding patterns of Russian nationalism and its opposition to the West. Drawing on Greenfeld’s theory of civilization, the article contends that Russia is best understood as part of the broader monotheistic civilization rather than a distinct civilization of its own.

Recommended Citation

Nokhrin, Ivan (2026) "The Concept of a ‘State-Civilization’ in Russia: The Contest for National Dignity in the Form of a Civilizational Analysis," Comparative Civilizations Review: Vol. 95: No. 95, Article 13.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/ccr/vol95/iss95/13