The authors of the study “Is Putin’s Ideological Push at Russian Universities Sustainable?” analyzed articles in Russian academic journals and Telegram chats where university professors discuss the propagandistic course “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood.” It turned out that the teachers often criticize the course for being conceptually confusing, vague in purpose, and difficult or even dangerous to teach.
Can Putin discipline the youth?
The regime is making noticeable efforts to establish a system of ideological education in Russian universities. However, the discussions among professors show that this is not going very well.
“Foundations of Russian Statehood” are not clear
There are significant disagreements among lecturers of the “Foundations of Russian Statehood”. Some believe that the course should “nurture patriotism,” while others think it should give students a choice from an “ideological menu.” Even professors who are loyal to the regime often express dissatisfaction with the teaching guidelines, or sometimes just don’t understand what is wanted from them.
Blurry ideological guidelines
Lecturers from Russian universities complain that textbooks on “patriotism” lack clear definitions of key terms. Also, it is not always clear to them which historical figures should be considered “good” and which “bad,” which ideas are “pro-Russian” and which are “anti-Russian,” and where, for example, the boundaries of the “Russian world” lie.
Teaching “patriotism” is a risky business
Professors teaching “Foundations of Russian Statehood” often worry about “provocative” questions from “liberal” students. “Loyalist” students might also pose a threat, as they could denounce the teacher for “incorrect” lecture content.
Will Putin build a totalitarian system?
The Kremlin obviously seeks broader support among the younger generation and hopes to cultivate a pool of cheaper, more ideologically motivated cadres and soldiers. But is Putin really capable of building a regime based on mass ideological mobilization? Without an effective system for indoctrinating young people, there will be no new totalitarianism in Russia.
The full research is available at the link: https://russiapost.info/politics/ideological_push