INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC SENTIMENTS, NATIONAL TRADITIONS, AND CULTURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM

Background: The article considers issues related to overcoming the consequences of the Soviet totalitarian regime that existed in Russia before the collapse of the USSR. Objective: The article aims at studying both objective and subjective factors that do not allow to overcome the remains of the Soviet system which was the world's longest-lasting totalitarian regime. Methods: Based on a cognitive-discursive approach, the authors of the article studied the concept of "Soviet totalitarianism" in Russian and foreign sources, as well as general and particular aspects of the Russian practice in facilitating this negative historical experience. Results: The article reveals the inconsistency of the US political mythology about the existing "threat of Russian authoritarianism" to Western countries. Conclusion: The article concludes that the process of overcoming the persistent Soviet totalitarian past is not a one-time act, and should be protracted and controversial. The current system of power in Russia is conditioned by the specifics of its political culture and depends on the historical past, the legal identity of its citizens, political and public sentiments, as well as the mindset, customs, and traditions of Russians.