Traditional Values as a Guarantor of National Security

Introduction. In the modern world, the preservation of national security is becoming an extremely important task for many countries. As societies transform and face different challenges, the role of traditional values in ensuring national security becomes an object of attention. This article is devoted to the study of the importance of traditional values as a guarantor of national security. Special attention is paid to their role and importance in Russian society.

In Russia, traditional values historically play an important role in the formation of national identity and ensuring social harmony. They cover a wide range of ethical, spiritual and cultural principles passed down from generation to generation and reflect the unique combination of spirituality, collectivism and respect for cultural heritage that characterizes Russian society. However, in an era of globalization and rapid changes in society, the preservation of traditional values faces various pressures and influences that put their relevance and continuity to the test.

The purpose of the article is to explore the importance of preserving and revitalizing traditional values in an effort to ensure national security in Russia. Analyzing the concept of traditional values, their historical significance and modern perspectives, we set ourselves the task of offering practical recommendations for preserving these values in the face of modern challenges.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on the analysis of existing conceptual approaches, regulations and strategic documents. As a result, a set of practical proposals aimed at reviving and cultivating traditional values is proposed. The main methodological approaches are the following: analytical approach, comparative analysis, conceptual analysis. The chosen approaches allow us to compare different phenomena, processes or objects and identify their similarities and differences.

Results. Russia is a multinational state uniting various peoples and nationalities. Historical spiritual and moral values were important for the formation of Russian identity and statehood, and also served as the foundation for strengthening society and state stability. The role of traditional values in modern Russian society has been repeatedly said by the Russian president V.V. Putin: “Today, Russian society is experiencing a clear shortage of spiritual bonds: mercy, sympathy, compassion for each other, support and mutual assistance — a shortage of what has always, at all historical times, made us stronger, stronger than we have always been proud of. We must fully support institutions that are carriers of traditional values, have historically proven their ability to transmit them from generation to generation” [11].

According to many researchers, there is a growing concern in modern society about the erosion of spirituality and changing values. This shift led to a predominance of western permissiveness, reduced restrictions, and a weakening of self-discipline among people. The observed tendency is manifested in the prioritization of physiological and materialistic desires, which, according to the teachings of A. Maslow, take priority over meeting higher needs. The value systems prevailing in the West emphasize basic needs because of their simplicity and accessibility to the mass consumer, which leads to the spread of low-grade mass art, which reflects artificial and superficial satisfaction of needs, including lust, consumption and negative aspects of human nature [12, pp. 44‒58].

However, it should be noted that the question of spirituality and values is complex and multifaceted. Even in the context of modern changes, it is necessary to take into account that each society has its own system of values, and the transition to new values does not always mean the loss of spirituality completely. Critics point to the danger of losing deeper spiritual values such as morality, ethics, justice, and mutual responsibility. It is considered that the focus on material well-being and satisfaction of lower needs can lead to spiritual emptiness and loss of connection with a deeper meaning of life [12, pp. 44‒58].

Russian sociologist A.B. Hoffmann focuses on the importance of traditions in the development of society. He believes that traditions play an important role in shaping and maintaining the cultural and spiritual heritage of the people, ensuring their unity and integrity. Hoffmann emphasizes that traditions are passed down from generation to generation preserving the history, values, customs and way of thinking of the people. He argues that traditions promote social stability and solidarity by ensuring the coordination of community actions and activities. However, Hoffmann also stresses that traditions should not be mechanically portable and immutable. He calls for a critical understanding and adaptation of traditions to modern conditions in order to maintain relevance [7].

According to Max Weber, value is regarded as norm, significance or importance to the subject. Max Weber as a sociologist and philosopher made a significant contribution to the understanding of social actions, institutions and culture [13]. According to T. Parsons values are the basis for the formation of social norms and rules as well as for determining the goals and orientation of actions of individuals within social systems. Shared values are universally recognized ideals that are agreed and shared by members of a particular society or social group. Nikolai Hartmann, a Russian philosopher and aesthetician, classifies values into different categories in his work “Aesthetics”. He identifies three key categories of values: spiritual, material and ideal. From the point of view of N. Hartmann ideal values are universal and consistent with the ideals and goals that society as a whole strives for [5].

Russia’s traditional spiritual values are based on several fundamental characteristics of the Russian mentality. An important feature of the Russian person is the desire for the highest ideals and “heavenly”, and not “earth” paradise bliss. An ideal, spiritual dimension is closer to a Russian person than a material one [8, pp. 50‒56]. However, after 1991, during the post-Soviet transformation, significant changes took place in society. Russian society has experienced a change from a collectivist culture to an individualist one. Nevertheless, in the sphere of spirituality and values, changes occur more slowly, and a complete reorientation in the system of values of Russians has not occurred [4, pp. 34‒43].

Despite socio-cultural transformations such as globalization, technological progress and changes in the social structure, Russian values continue to express the importance of spirituality, patriotism, traditions and collective identity, are often associated with historical and cultural heritage of Russia, and are a source of a sense of belonging and connection between different generations.

The National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation notes the importance of reviving traditional Russian spiritual and moral values and consolidating society around shared values that form the foundation of statehood. Among such values there is freedom and independence of Russia, humanism, interethnic peace and harmony, the unity of cultures of a multinational people, respect for family and confessional traditions, patriotism [2].

As part of the analysis of the “Strategy”, special attention should be paid to its emphasis on socio-political and national tasks. The main objective of the strategy is to ensure national security and socio-economic development of the Russian Federation. This direction contributes to improving the standard of living of the population, stimulating economic progress, progress in research and innovation as well as improving the quality of public services including health care and cultural initiatives.

Russia has regained its position as a world power capable of defending its national interests on the international stage while prioritizing the socio-economic development of its regions and well-being of its citizens. Thanks to joint efforts, such key values as spirituality, patriotism, respect for a common history, and the unity of the culture’s diversity of the Russian people are ensured.

Moral guidelines play a significant role in the formation of values, behavior and culture of society. They help people determine what is right and wrong, and serve as the basis for moral principles and norms of behavior. It is important to develop an open and inclusive dialogue about morality and values in society in order to take into account the diversity of opinions and perspectives. This can contribute to the search for a balanced approach to the formation of moral guidelines, which takes into account both heritage and traditions as well as new challenges and the needs of the modern world.

Today, many researchers point to the problem of erosion of traditional values and weakening of unity within the multinational population of Russia under the influence of external cultural and informational factors. In response to these threats, the state attaches particular importance to the implementation of a comprehensive educational, cultural and social policy within the country, which indicates the recognition of the importance of preserving and strengthening traditional values in society.

The set of values presented in the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation and included in the Constitution of the Russian Federation is universal in nature and expresses universal principles and values. The Constitution of the Russian Federation emphasizes that a person, their rights and freedoms are the highest value. This fact confirms that the Russian Federation recognizes and attaches great importance to universal principles and values, such as respect for human rights and freedoms, justice, equality before the law and the principle of the rule of law [1].

The national interests of the Russian Federation cover the fundamental needs of individuals and communities in their protection and sustainable development. Threats to national security are understood as a set of conditions and factors that create a direct or indirect risk to these national interests.

Russia has consistently demonstrated its ability to defend its sovereignty, maintain independence, state and territorial integrity, and protect the rights of its citizens abroad. In addition, the role of the Russian Federation in solving significant international problems has increased including in resolving military conflicts, maintaining strategic stability, and promoting international law as a guiding principle in global relations.

Work is underway to revive the traditional spiritual values of Russia aimed at cultivating in the younger generation a deep understanding of Russian history. In order to strengthen Russia’s national security, it is necessary to promote the growth and multiplication of traditional Russian spiritual, moral and cultural values. This assessment should cover not only the education system, but also the spheres of culture, social and political institutions, state-confessional interactions. It is extremely important to involve the general public in realizing the importance of spiritual and moral education, preserving and strengthening traditional values as a means of countering potential threats to national security.

Cultural creativity centers around the creation of aesthetically outstanding works. Nevertheless, it is important that these cultural creations are consistent with ethical and civic values, contributing to the formation and strengthening of Russian civic identity. In the modern world, we observe a number of beliefs and alternative value systems that sometimes lead to social divisions. However, among this variety, the inner world of each person retains metaphysical elements and gravitation towards the Absolute, which is a distinctive feature of Russian culture.

In the scope of the Russian legal system, there are regulations which purpose is to establish order in the information sphere and ensure the protection of legally capable persons and minors from the negative impact of information content. However, when implementing legal restrictions, especially in the context of issues related to values and freedom of speech, it is necessary to strive to achieve a balance between ensuring the safety of the public and preserving the fundamental rights and freedoms of society.

In addition, it should be emphasized that in order to solve the problems related to morality in society, a multidimensional approach is needed, which involves the participation of not only legislative measures, but also educational, cultural, interpersonal connections and other components. Therefore, it is important to strive for the development of an informed and ethical society, where the values and rights of citizens are respected.

In the socio-cultural sphere, the main danger lies in the erosion of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. This shift entails transforming people from spiritually minded beings driven by high ideals into ordinary consumers obsessed with material values, thereby jeopardizing the progress of Russian society. Behind the visual appeal of slogans promoting the “earn and spend” mindset are far-reaching consequences that could significantly harm our future.

Foreign cultural and information expansion acts as one of the recognized threats to national security and is manifested in the spread of low-quality products of mass culture, propaganda of permissiveness, racial and national intolerance, and religious discrimination.

As part of the study, several proposals can be identified to improve the situation with the preservation and development of traditional values that are of significant importance for ensuring national security.

It is necessary to pay special attention to education, inclusion of the study of traditional values in the curriculum, patriotic events, development of ethics code for media, state support, social mobilization and intercultural dialogue. All this reflects important measures for the preservation and development of traditional values.

Thus, education plays a key role in creating the worldview and value orientations of the younger generation, therefore, the inclusion of the study of traditional values in the curriculum will help strengthen the connection with history, culture and national identity, and patriotic events and cultural events will contribute to the formation of pride and commitment to their country and people.

Another significant factor in the preservation and development of traditional values is social mobilization and participation of citizens and public organizations. The development of ethics code for media is also crucial to support and respect traditional values in the media sphere. It is necessary to develop programs that will promote traditional values.

Discussion and Conclusion. Traditional values play a significant role in ensuring national security. In the context of Russia, traditional values are of particular importance since they unite various ethnic groups and nationalities contributing to interethnic peace and harmony. However, globalization, cultural expansion and social change can have a negative impact on traditional values. There is a risk of erosion and loss of connection with historical roots and heritage. Thus, it is necessary to actively promote and maintain traditional values in society, which can be achieved through educational programs, cultural events, patriotic education, and the creation of an appropriate legal framework. The strategy of civilizational development of Russia should include these main aspects.

In general, the strategy of civilizational development of Russia should be comprehensive taking into account all aspects of society and aimed at creating favorable conditions for the prosperity of the country and its citizens. This area of policy is designed to strengthen the civilizational role of Russia in the world context.

Standing for traditional values by Russia on the international stage causes contradictions with the West. The conservative cultural policy of Russia resists the cultural temptations of globalization and is based on national cultural traditions which are considered as the basis of the social structure, moral socialization of the individual and national security of the state. The desire to confront the impact of globalization and maintain traditional cultural traditions is one of the strategies for responding to the perceived threats of the crisis of traditional values. Conservative cultural policy focuses on preserving and strengthening norms, morals and social structures that are considered as fundamental to society and national identity.