Abstract. In the article, based on the analysis of the post-war works of the Russian philosopher I. A. Ilyin, Russia is considered as a “single living organism of nature and spirit”, which should have a state organisation taking into account the historical features of existence on this vast territory in terms of geographical, economic, cultural and spiritual aspects. The author of the article draws attention to the programmatic nature of these publications and their appeal to the future young generations, the desire to equip them with an understanding of what is important for their development and the future prosperity of Russia. The author also takes into account the peculiarity of the concept of Heartland (middle lands), which was introduced into circulation by H. Mackinder and became widespread in the 20th century, and the theoretical importance of this concept for the geopolitics of this entire period (“who rules the Heartland will rule the whole world”). Keywords: Russian state, Heartland (middle lands), world challenges, political geography, Russian language, enlightenment, Orthodox Church