One could go with a racist Empire of humanity that is determined to conquer the entire continent and subjugate all other races. They've already created concentration camps in their country for their 'undesirables". Maybe they tattoo the foreheads of those they allow to serve as their slaves? 

Meanwhile, our country is composed of all sorts, possibly allied with others and is hoping to resist them.

Alternatively, we could be moral beings in the "evil empire country", conscripted into this school though not believing in its teachings. We'd much rather be on the other side but escaping the country would be nigh impossible.