Patriotic education, often with a military subtext, forms the mainspring of many youth programmes in both Russia and the United States. In America, the dual messages of "America first" and "Americanism" can be found not only as a driving force behind adult political movements, but also around the country in camps and clubs where young people are taught what it means to be an American. In Russia, patriotic clubs and camps are encouraged by the government. In 2015, President Vladimir Putin ordered the creation of a Russian students’ movement whose aim was to help form the characters of young people through instruction in ideology, religion and preparedness for war. The Patriotic Education of Russian Citizens in 2016-2020 programme called for an 8 per cent increase in patriotism among youth, and a 10 per cent increase in recruits to the armed forces.

The photographer visited 10 youth programmes in the US, as well as schools and military summer camps in Russia. The aim of the series is to use these young people and their lives as the focal point in an open dialogue around the ideas instilled in future generations, and examine how young people are responding to contemporary society.