Army, president and Russian spirit make Russia strong, respondents say.
MOSCOW, July 24, 2014. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data concerning what feelings foreigners have for Russia, according to Russians; what is shaping Russia`s image today; and what makes Russia look strong globally.
According to one-third of respondents (33%), Russia arouses interest among foreigners. Every forth Russian (24%) believes that Russia arouses fear in foreigners; those who think so are mainly 18-24-year-old Russians (31%). One-fifth of respondents think that foreigners envy Russia (22%) or respect it (21%). Certain respondents think that citizens of other states like Russia (10%) or admire it (11%). Fourteen percent of Russians say that foreigners do not trust Russia. Some respondents think that foreigners may even condemn Russia (9%) or hate it (7%).
According to respondents, Russia`s image abroad is mainly affected by holding international forums, sports events (42%), and the activities of Russian politicians and diplomatic officials (41%). Promoting Russian culture, language, and orthodox church values also shapes Russia`s image (35%). One-third of respondents (32%) say that the participation of the Russian army in the peace-keeping operations worldwide is also important. Others (32%) say that it is essential how Russian mass media covers the world politics and international events. The country`s image is also shaped by promoting the scientific achievements (30%), providing humanitarian and financial assistance (29%). The number of foreigners coming to Russia and the number of Russians travelling abroad (29%) as well as international promotion of the Russian goods (23%) is substantial. Least of Russians say that Russia`s image today is shaped by the Russian mafia (only 11% of respondents).
Asked about what makes Russia look strong globally, most of Russians mention army and military equipment (31%). According to 15% of respondents, the Russia`s power is affected by Russian foreign policy and presidential prestige. Other 13% mention Russian spirit, culture and traditions; 11% cite rich natural resources; 7% cite large territory and population size; 6% point out economic potential. Russian historic victories were cited by 6% of respondents; and Russia`s independence and firmness were reported by 4%.
The VCIOM opinion poll was conducted on May 31 – June 1, 2014. 1600 respondents were interviewed in 130 communities in 42 regions of Russia. Data are weighted by gender, age, education, working status and type of settlement. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.
In your opinion, what feelings do foreigners have for Russia? (closed-ended question, not more than three answers) | ||||||
| Total | Aged 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 and over |
Interest | 33 | 36 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 32 |
Fear | 24 | 31 | 22 | 24 | 23 | 21 |
Envy | 22 | 24 | 22 | 22 | 18 | 24 |
Respect | 21 | 24 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 22 |
Distrust | 14 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 12 | 16 |
Admiration | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
Liking | 10 | 8 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 10 |
Condemnation | 9 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 8 | 6 |
Trust | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 5 |
Hatred | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
Hope | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Dislike | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Skepsis | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Indifference | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 5 |
Disappointment | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
Approval | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Love | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
Don`t know | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
In your opinion, what has an impact on the Russia`s image abroad? (closed-ended question, not more than five answers) | |
| Total |
Hosting international forums, cultural and sports events | 42 |
Activities of Russian politicians and diplomatic officials | 41 |
Promoting Russian culture, language, and orthodox church | 35 |
Participation of the Russian army in peace-keeping operations | 32 |
The way that Russian mass media covers world events or life in Russia | 32 |
Participating in international scientific research, promoting Russian scientists’ achievements | 30 |
Providing humanitarian and financial assistance to other countries | 29 |
Trips of foreigners to Russia/Russians traveling abroad | 29 |
International promotion of Russian goods | 23 |
Russian mafia activities | 11 |
None of the above-mentioned | 1 |
Other | 1 |
Don`t know | 5 |
In your opinion, what makes Russia look powerful globally? (open-ended question, not more than three answers) | |
| Total |
Army and military equipment | 31 |
President`s authority, foreign policy, information policy | 15 |
Russian spirit, Russian people, unity, culture and traditions | 13 |
Rich country ( (diamonds, banks, natural resources) | 11 |
Large territory and population size | 7 |
Development of economy and industry – big country`s potential | 6 |
Courage, strength to overcome difficulties; the history of Russia is the history of victories | 6 |
Independence and firmness | 4 |
Scientific achievements | 3 |
Friendly politics; helping other countries | 3 |
Friendliness, hospitality | 1 |
Victories of Russian athletes | 1 |
Orthodox Church | <1 |
Other | 3 |
Don`t know | 27 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!