The topic of the article is connected with the research of francophonie as a unique linguistic, cultural and geopolitical community. The aim of the research is to examine the dynamics of its development taking into account political and ideological courses.The framework of the research includes the texts of francophonie founders, the documents of the International Organization of la Francophonie as well as the works of Russian and foreign authors. Francophone countries and regions are explored as well as the change of discourse on francophonie from the idea of universalism and paternalism (1) to the idea of the common spirit of francophone countries (2) to the idea of francophone identity/s with the support of cultural diversity of French speaking countries (3). The conclusion about the modification of the role of the French language in modern francophone world in the context of the transition from the ideology of “cultural exclusion” to the ideology of cultural pluralism and multiple identities is reached. The idea of a politicization of the phenomenon of francophonie is presented.