Russia's attitude to the neighboring continental Romano-Germanic civilizations in the West and the three traditional civilizations in the East (Islamic, Hindu and Chinese) has at least two planes, which in no case can be mixed together, as this will inevitably lead to a multitude of misunderstandings. Firstly, the cultural and historical essence of Russia, its spiritual self-determination, its “identity” are certainly determined by the formula “neither East nor West” or “neither Europe nor Asia, but Eurasia” (as Russian Eurasians put it). Spiritually, Russia is something Third, something independent and special, which has no expression either in terms of the East or in terms of the West. At this level, Russia's highest interest is to maintain at all costs of its uniqueness, defending its identity before the challenge of the culture of the West and the traditions of the East. This does not mean complete isolationism, but nevertheless limits the range of possible borrowings. Historical realism requires us to courageously acknowledge that the affirmation of “our own”, “ours” always goes parallel to the denial of “alien”, “not ours”. And affirmation and denial are fundamental elements of the national, cultural, historical and political independence of the people and the state. Therefore, the denial of both the West and the East in the cultural plan is a historical imperative for Russian independence. In this matter, of course, there may be a variety of nuances and discussions, recognizing the identity, some believe that it is better to open more for the East than for the West ("Asian direction"), others vice versa ("Westerners"), others prefer a complete rejection of any dialogue ("isolationists"), the fourth suggest uniform openness on both sides (some areas of "neo-Eurasianism").