The article investigates evolution of the right of nations to self-determination in the political ideologies of Russia, U.S. and European countries in the XVIII – XX centuries. It explores the role ofgreat powers in formulation and implementation of international norms of self-determination. Finally, itanalyzes national approaches towards resolution of self-determination conflicts in the XXI century. Theauthor comes to conclusion that divergent interpretations of the right of nations to self-determination incontemporary policies of these countries are rooted in their political сculture. The U.S. and EuropeanUnion countries endorse the liberal concept of self-determination which defines nation as a civic society,and the right to self-determination as a legitimate right of citizens to establish such political regime thatprotects their rights and freedoms. The Western countries nowadays maintain their support of protestactions against authoritarian regimes in favor of liberal-democratic ones. Russia upholds a differentconcept of self-determination, defining nation as a multiethnic society which combines integrity of thestate with ethnocultural diversity of the peoples comprising it. Self-determination of such nation can berealized by a democratic choice of any political regime which preserves and promotes its cultural and civilizational specifics.