In the XX century Russia twice in its history radically changed its vector of development. Two states were destroyed, which at different periods also determined the development vector of the peoples living in Russia. As a result of this destruction, there was a radical breakdown of all spheres of public life, which were accompanied by tragedies for millions of citizens. The reasons for these tragedies lie largely in the refusal of reformers to rely on the particular nature of the Russian state and impose standards of Western values. The article analyzes the features of the Russian state and possible ways to reform it on democratic principles of development.