Loyal Youths’ Individualist Quests for Change

Abstract

Abstract Drawing on narrative interviews conducted with almost forty participants in provincial youth-leadership camps, this chapter investigates the texture of their loyalty to the regime, their quests for self-development, and the contribution of such quests to the common good. It shows that most campers are critical of the workings of the Russian government but largely tolerate or support the goals of the regime. It argues that campers seek social change through individualist projects but have a markedly apolitical understanding of this change. Motivated to enjoy the conveniences available to the middle class in economically advanced liberal democracies, they are keen to spur local development in their home regions. The chapter reveals that most campers self-identify as active, entrepreneurially minded, patriotic citizens, while condemning those who would passively live off state spending.