Abstract. The article is devoted to the consideration of center-periphery relations at the present stage and in historical retrospect. It is shown that modernization in non-Western regions was carried out in the process of one-sided pro-Western-oriented globalization, the growing desire of the West, the Center to dominate over the periphery and semi-periphery. It is found that this aspiration has deep historical, economic, political and civilizational roots. The mutual conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, largely inspired by the West, led to a cardinal aggravation and reformatting in the international space. An important place in the analysis of these issues is occupied by tracing the trend towards shaping polycentrism, equality of national and civilizational communities, and democratism in the world order.