Patriotism as a value basis for explication of the matrix of Russian identity

The article examines the phenomenon of Russian patriotism from the point of view of its structure, content and ethno-uniqueness. In modern geopolitical realities, when the problem of forming and maintaining a sense of patriotism becomes one of the priorities of state policy, the theoretical understanding of this value is more relevant than ever. The work analyzes various approaches to understanding the content of the concept of “patriotism”, formed both in pre-revolutionary scientific literature and in the studies of modern scientists. The novelty of this work lies in the use of a comprehensive approach in the interpretation of the value content of patriotic feeling, which includes such elements as a sense of belonging to the ethnic community, love for native places, national pride in the achievements of their country, adherence to traditions and customs, respect for the past (history) and native language, readiness to defend the homeland, loyalty to the Fatherland. The study found that patriotism is one of the basic aspects of Russian national identity.