Perceptions of Past, Present, and Future of Russia among youths

The project is aimed at analyzing empirical data on Russian students' political perceptions of the past, the present, and the future of Russia. We answer questions about how those who were born after the Soviet Union collapse imagine the future of Russia. We analyze  what they know about the history of Russia, and we gather data on their attitudes toward current and historical political leaders. We also ask questions about what events in Russia’s history make Russian youths feel proud of ashamed of Russia  Empirically grounded answers to such questions may help us understand what views dominate, what youths expect from the government, and whether young people are ready to take an active part in Russian politics or not.

To gain greater insight into the political ideals of Russian students, we have launched a large-scale cross-national comparative study of political and cultural attitudes of students at elite universities. The Russian study is being replicated in the United States (at Princeton University), China (Shanghai University), the UK (University of Cambridge), Germany (University of Bremen and the Hertie School of Governance), France (Sciences Po).

Participants of the project will be able to master skills of survey design and survey research, quantitative analysis (including STATA), in-depth interviews, qualitative data analysis (including using CAQDAS).

Methods: surveys, in-depth interview, qualitative data analysis

Key words: political perceptions, students, USSR, shame, pride, ideal political leader, patriotism

Valeria Kasamara
Laboratory Head

Anna Sorokina
Junior Research Fellow

Marina Maximenkova
Analyst