In Russia, schools are undergoing an extensive campaign to promote military themes and patriotism. Efforts by the Kremlin to militarize Russia’s society include revising the ABC’s to start with “A is for Army, B is for Brotherhood,” while a swim meet featured adolescents dressed in camouflage uniforms and slinging model Kalashnikov rifles. The initiative is bolstered by programs called “Important Conversations,” and “Lessons in Courage,” where pupils learn to write poetry and recite lines about the motherland and soldiers. This effort is part of an extensive Kremlin campaign to train future generations to respect the army and promote President Vladimir V. Putin’s stance. Though Russia’s leaders have always conditioned their citizens to accept Moscow’s leadership, the aim now is to win their active support in the war effort. However, the government is trying to avoid creating an excessively high patriotic flame that might push people to begin questioning the war’s purpose by giving parents enough room to dodge propaganda lessons. The Kremlin hopes that by brainwashing the youth, it can mobilize society in support of the war.
