This important book analyzes the dubious role of the so-called Democratic Antifascist Youth
Movement `Nashi´ in contemporary Russia. Part and parcel of the Putinist project of political
stabilization Nashi dominates state-sponsored youth politics in Russia communicating demands
from official discourse to a young audience. Idealizing the past present and future of
Putin`s Russia Nashi mobilized young Russians through its emotional appeal skillful use of
symbolic politics and the promise for professional self-realization. However the movement`s
impact remains limited - mostly due to its internal contradictions. Based on original and
meticulous research Ivo Mijnssen skillfully picks apart the dynamics underlying Nashi`s
influence and furthers a deeper understanding of state-sponsored youth politics in early 21st
century Russia.