From juvenile system reform to a conflict of civilizations in contemporary Russian society

International audienceJuvenile delinquency has fueled debate in Russian society for many years. Numerous associations, NGOs and international organizations have raised public awareness of the problem and have encouraged the government to place judicial reform on its agenda. However, debate over institution of the reform, the various possible models and how to structure the relationship between social and judicial institutions has been limited. Discussion has instead focused on the relative priorities to be given to the interests of children versus those of the family, so-called traditional versus liberal values, and the extent to which the state should interfere in the private lives of Russian citizens. Discussion of the actual situation of youths at risk and the concrete problems posed by reform has been overshadowed by rumors, encouraged by a discourse of fear in an increasingly violent society that tends to distort the real problems. Additionally, implementation of international norms and judicial reform has been largely blocked by the patriotic agenda of the state