Russia and the West

Abstract

The work is a historical review that examines the relations between Russia and the West as civilizational projects from the vocation of the Varangians and the baptism of Russia to the present day. The author identifies the key milestones of Russia’s civilizational choice, emphasizing the role of the religious factor, and analyzes the relationship of Russian culture with the Western Enlightenment. The views of Westerners and Slavophiles on relations between Russia and the West are presented, and the development of this issue in the projects of N. Y. Danilevsky, K. N. Leontiev, V. S. Solovyov is traced. The Soviet period of Russia’s history is estimated. In conclusion, the author cites a critique of the phenomenon of Westernism in the works of A. A. Zinoviev, states the rupture of relations between Russia and the West in our days and expresses hope for the future continuation of the dialogue between Russia and the West, but already as an equal partner and an original civilization.