The article examines several paradigms of relations between various cultural and civilizational communities, including those that generate conflict and violence. The myth-symbol complex and stable historical memory have an impact on the policy that is formed in ethnic and religious terms. Various examples are used to analyze the problems of identity that have become more acute in the modern world. The article provides a critical analysis of individual theories that offer explanations for various aspects of complex relations between ethnic and confessional groups. Individual manifestations of the crisis of nation-states, especially those formed after the collapse of the colonial system, and disputes between advocates of hyperglobalization and supporters of the sustainability of nation-states are evaluated. Keywords: civilization, identity, religion, ethnic group, myth, violence, nation-state. "Civilizational" topics in the light of the transformations taking place in the modern world are becoming more and more popular and interesting for both research authors and publicists, as well as for readers. The issues of cultural and civilizational identity, the nature of relations between the values of various regional and cultural clusters, and the ways of evolution of nation-states in the context of increasing hyperglobalization are becoming increasingly acute and require scientific and theoretical understanding. THE PROBLEM OF IDENTITY SELECTION Russia, especially in the last years of Vladimir Putin's presidency, has increasingly positioned itself as a State of a special civilization. Within the framework of this project, Russia is seen as a civilization based on spirituality, adherence to traditional norms and values, among which the individual's responsibility to society and the state (along with his rights), religious ideals (as opposed to the aggressive secularism of Europe) occupy a significant place. The popularity of this project, however, does not stop the struggl ... Read more