Focusing on Hero Cities, this book delves into their role in shaping Soviet identity and their complex legacy in contemporary Russia. It reveals how the legacy of the Great Patriotic War has faded, exposing persistent societal divisions. Through this exploration, the author highlights the ongoing struggle within Russian society to reconcile its historical narratives with modern realities.
This important book analyzes the dubious role of the so-called Democratic Antifascist Youth Movement `Nashi´ in contemporary Russia. Part and parcel of the Putinist project of political stabilization, Nashi dominates state-sponsored youth politics in Russia, communicating demands from official discourse to a young audience. Idealizing the past, present, and future of Putin`s Russia, Nashi mobilized young Russians through its emotional appeal, skillful use of symbolic politics and the promise for professional self-realization. However, the movement`s impact remains limited – mostly due to its internal contradictions. Based on original and meticulous research, Ivo Mijnssen skillfully picks apart the dynamics underlying Nashi`s influence and furthers a deeper understanding of state-sponsored youth politics in early 21st century Russia.