Cannon Fodder for the Homeland
Russian Pedagogy in the Service of War
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine, a massive militarization of childhood and youth has taken place in Russia. Spending on a propaganda promoting national pride has exploded. Kindergartens and schools impart knowledge about combat and war. Heroes die for the Fatherland. In the tradition of the Pioneers, the Movement of the First now indoctrinates children outside of school as well. The combination of military education and lessons in “patriotism”, extracurricular events, and militarised summer camps serves the purpose of moulding children and young people into ideologically trained soldiers who, upon graduation, are ready for war. A generation of cannon fodder is in the making.
(Osteuropa 6-7/2025, pp. 165–178)