Russia has ramped up efforts to control education since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The introduction of standardized school textbooks promoting ‘patriotism’ and ‘traditional values’ is part of a broader strategy to reinforce national identity and ideological alignment. This educational overhaul aims to ensure that students are instilled with a strong sense of patriotism and an adherence to traditional values, reflecting the government’s priorities in shaping the next generation.
The initiative is not isolated but rather a continuation of Moscow’s policies aimed at tightening control over the educational system. This includes curriculum reforms, the promotion of state-approved historical narratives, and the integration of ideological content into classroom instruction. The government has also emphasized the importance of these measures in fostering resilience and unity in the face of external pressures, such as the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Education officials have highlighted that the new textbooks will serve as a tool for reinforcing national pride and a sense of belonging to the Russian state. The move is seen as part of a larger effort to shape a cohesive national identity that aligns with the government’s vision of Russia’s role in the world. The curriculum changes are expected to have long-term implications for the country’s education system and its role in the global context.