When we are united, we are invincible: the historical code of a nation explained at the National Centre RUSSIA
How have a thousand years of history, values and worldview shaped Russian identity over the centuries, and why is understanding this critically important for preserving the country's sovereignty in the modern world? Andrei Polosin, Vice-Rector of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) and Academic Director of the 'DNA of Russia' project, addressed these questions in his lecture 'The Historical Code of a Nation' at the All-Russian Patriotic Forum at the National Centre RUSSIA on 7 December.
At the beginning of the lecture, the speaker explained that scholars have been seeking answers to the questions "Who are we?", "Why are we this way?" and "Why do we have every reason to be proud of our heritage?" for centuries. Our task, according to Andrei Polosin, is to reinterpret existing ideas, add our own understanding and offer them to the world. The foundation for this lies in the correct interpretation of a triad of concepts: values, identity and worldview.
"These concepts are often used incorrectly. For example, values are not beliefs, but rather guiding principles we strive towards, even if we cannot always follow them due to various circumstances. Worldview is not about political views, but a fundamental understanding of the world and one's place in it. And identity is closest to patriotism — a concept that is currently being actively developed in academic circles," explained Andrei Polosin.
Speaking about what defines our identity, the Vice-Rector of RANEPA referred to the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
"Russia is one of the few states with a thousand-year history. We did not begin yesterday, and this necessitates long-term planning. Today there is a global competition to determine whose values will shape the future, and we have every reason to put forward our own, for they have been forged through the many trials we have endured," he stated.
In his historical overview, Andrei Polosin highlighted key milestones that shaped Russian statehood and its development strategy: from the Baptism of Rus, which laid the foundation of our spiritual values, to the experience with the Golden Horde, the heroic deeds of Minin and Pozharsky, and the events of our time.
"History teaches us a simple but not always obvious truth: when we are divided, we fall under external control, but when we are united, we become ourselves. The collapse of the USSR in 1991 was a devastating geopolitical blow, whilst the events of 2014 marked the beginning of our return to strength and assertion of our right to sovereignty," summarised Andrei Polosin.
In concluding the session, the lecturer noted that the key component of the formula for national resilience is faith in the power of national unity: "A system breaks down when it loses faith that unity can save it." It is precisely this faith, grounded in a deep understanding of the historical code, that Andrei Polosin considers Russia's greatest resource.
The All-Russian Patriotic Forum is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 7 to 10 December. This major event has brought together over 4,000 representatives of patriotic communities from all regions of the country and friendly states. The Forum is organised by the Federal State Budgetary Institution 'Rospatriotcentre' of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the Russian society Znanie, the Movement of the First and the All-Russian Military-Patriotic Public Movement 'YUNARMIYA'.
Event photobank
The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, addressed the participants, organisers and guests of the Forum.
The kind-hearted mountain elder Mityn Dada from North Ossetia – Alania arrived in Moscow.
