The adoption of state symbols in Russia: a compromise of traditions

The author considers the process of adopting of a new state symbols in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. This process was influenced by different traditions and by the struggle of different political forces that sought to consolidate their own „own” symbols and values (democratic, national-imperial, communistic, etc.). As a result, the adoption of the new flag, the coat of arms and the anthem was the result of a „compromise imposed from above” which ended the „war of symbols”, but confirmed the uncertainty of the national idea.