Vision of the Future of the Country by Russian Youth: Hopes and Fears

The article analyzes the students’ perception of the desired image of the country in the historically foreseeable perspective of 20–25 years, based on the data of a sociological study. It turns out what is necessary, in the opinion of students, to change in the country so that it can adequately respond to the challenges of our time and take its rightful place among the most advanced countries in the world, and become attractive to young people. The article analyzes the readiness of young people to take a personal part in building a better future, to identify themselves with the country (or, conversely, to leave it at the first opportunity), the role of the country's future image as a society-consolidating (or conflict-generating) factor.