Foundations of Russian statehood”

Propaganda narratives in Russian universities

Bibliographic Data

ID9952053
AuthorsRoman Smirnov (Leibniz University Hannover, corresponding author), R G Smirnov (0000-0002-5618-7172, Leibniz University Hannover)
Year2026
Volume56
Issue4
Pages1-20
Publication date2026-03-21
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Sociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-7659 • E-ISSN: 1557-9336
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00207659.2026.2645569
OpenAlexW7139987380
LanguageEN
References cited40

This article examines the increasing ideological orientation of Russian higher education, focusing on the mandatory course “Foundations of Russian Statehood.” Although the Constitution formally prohibits a state ideology, the nationwide introduction of this course for first-year students in September 2023 signals an attempt to promote patriotism and a state-endorsed worldview. Using frame analysis, the study analyzes three textbooks recommended by the Ministry of Education and Science. The findings show that: (1) the course displays features of an ideologized curriculum; (2) the textbooks construct a worldview through reinterpretations of history and ideas of Russia’s cultural uniqueness; (3) Russia is framed in opposition to the West; (4) democracy, civil rights, and political freedoms are depicted largely negatively; (5) the materials promote skepticism toward European democracy through concept desemantization and substitution; and (6) the emerging narrative emphasizes the past while offering limited future perspectives.

Discourse analysis · Journalism · Narrative · Academic Freedom and Politics · Central Asia Education and Culture · Soviet and Russian History

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Open DOIOpen Access