In this article, the author draws attention to the fact that in the official documents and acts on the Strategy for Interethnic Relations in the Republic of Moldova, various terms are used to refer to the peoples living on this territory (ethnicity, people, nation, ethnic group, national minority). This introduces considerable confusion in their understanding. The author emphasizes that if the concept of “nation” is associated exclusively with the state-forming ethnos, then this carries significant conflict potential. It is concluded that for a multi-ethnic state, ethno-cultural pluralism is simply inevitable - this is the basis of democracy and the stability of its existence. The state should unite ethnic groups in a political nation on the basis of common national interests and ideology. The author notes some ways to solve these problems, among which she emphasizes the need for public dialogue, the introduction of multicultural education. It is especially noted that, in the modern period, the role of ethnologists / ethno-sociologists in the staff of state institutions is growing in the adoption of all socially significant decisions and programs.