The review, consisting of three thematic blocks, presents an interpretation of the main trends in the evolution of modern scientific and philosophical discussions on general problems in education and educational policy that have continued, with unabated intensity, for the past two decades in Western analytical literature. Priority is given to the analysis of modern theories of education and their inter-relations with ancient tradition, which still affects modern concepts of democracy and citizenship. The author also explores the various, sometimes diametrically opposed approaches of scientists to the analysis of the phenomenon of globalization and the causes of the crisis of traditional democratic institutions and educational systems. The review also presents critical assessments of the value of diverse studies, in which scholars strive to revive and reinterpret both the classical philosophy of education of the 18-19th centuries and the heritage of the great education theorists of the 20th century. education, political theory, tradition, scientific analytics, globalization, democracy, crisis.