This article presents a problem of the germ of Russian nationalism, interpretation thereof, specific features, content and evolution from the nascent stage until now. By presentation of main milestones of ideas of Russian thinkers, statesmen, essay writers, and politicians the authors arrive at a comprehensive picture of different views of alpha and omega of Russian nationalism and its place as a component of the «Russian Idea». Authors recognize the Russian nationalism's right of existence, at the same time, they clearly differentiate between the enlightened nationalism oriented toward the Christian spiritual ideal and the unchristian nationalism - from pagan to liberal democratic one which either reduces itself to ethnic chauvinism, or restricts the Russian national idea within the bounds of the European post-Christian world.