This seminar presents findings from an ongoing project on how the Russian state weaponises children within its militarist, authoritarian nation-building project. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, the government has expanded efforts to militarise children through school curricula, patriotic campaigns, youth organisations, arts competitions, and digital games. Although framed as initiatives to promote kindness and civic responsibility, these programmes ultimately aim to instil militaristic values, legitimise war, and suppress dissent.
Drawing on analysis of “patriotic” programmes and survey data from Russian teachers, the seminar demonstrates how Russia blends historical models with contemporary digital and cultural strategies to shape loyal, disciplined citizens prepared to sacrifice for the state. Considering the challenges encountered in conducting this research, the presentation will also reflect on the ethical and practical issues of engaging affected participants in times of war.
About the Speaker
Yulia Nesterova, Ph.D., is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. Her research explores issues at the intersection of youth, peace, and security, with current projects examining the militarisation of children and youth-inclusive approaches to peacebuilding and reconciliation. She is a member of the International Working Group on Youth, Peace, and Security at the Swedish Agency for Peace, Security, and Development (FBA) and a trustee at Scotland’s International Development Alliance.
Credit photo: Vasily Maksimov