The celebration of the historic choice made": What is the meaning of National Unity Day today? Historian and political scientist Nikolai Mironov National Unity Day is, first of all, the celebration of the historical choice made. Indeed, at the beginning of the 17th century, behind the curtain of dynastic issues, it was decided which way Russia would develop. The Troubles confronted Muscovite Russia with several scenarios: one included the strengthening of Western influence, giving up independence, recognizing its peripherality and "backwardness". The second meaning was the restoration of the country's sovereignty and the establishment of one's own empire. The victory of Minin and Pozharsky's militia, and then the election of Mikhail Romanov, meant the choice of the second, "Byzantine" way. When the state institutions were paralyzed and the politicians lost the trust of the people, representatives of different classes took responsibility for the state. It was their initiative that made it possible to restore the power of the state - and with the direct participation of society. And this is where an important feature of the Russian political tradition is most clearly manifested: the desire for a strong centralized state and the need for public representation. In one form or another, this combination has survived to this day and has become a feature of Russian statehood. Today, this historical experience takes on additional meaning. The events of recent years have once again made the issues of sovereignty and social cohesion relevant. They make us think again: what unites society in times of serious trials? And how ready are we to take responsibility for the future of our country? Our ancestors answered this question four hundred years ago. What answer is given?

The celebration of the historic choice made": What is the meaning of National Unity Day today? Historian and political scientist Nikolai Mironov National Unity Day is, first of all, the celebration of the historical choice made. Indeed, at the beginning of the 17th century, behind the curtain of dynastic issues, it was decided which way Russia would develop. The Troubles confronted Muscovite Russia with several scenarios: one included the strengthening of Western influence, giving up independence, recognizing its peripherality and "backwardness". The second meaning was the restoration of the country's sovereignty and the establishment of one's own empire. The victory of Minin and Pozharsky's militia, and then the election of Mikhail Romanov, meant the choice of the second, "Byzantine" way. When the state institutions were paralyzed and the politicians lost the trust of the people, representatives of different classes took responsibility for the state. It was their initiative that made it possible to restore the power of the state - and with the direct participation of society. And this is where an important feature of the Russian political tradition is most clearly manifested: the desire for a strong centralized state and the need for public representation. In one form or another, this combination has survived to this day and has become a feature of Russian statehood. Today, this historical experience takes on additional meaning. The events of recent years have once again made the issues of sovereignty and social cohesion relevant. They make us think again: what unites society in times of serious trials? And how ready are we to take responsibility for the future of our country? Our ancestors answered this question four hundred years ago. What answer is given?