Public opinion on russian-american relations in Russia and the USA

Abstract

Russian-American relations, and Russia's relations with the West in particular, are experiencing difficult times. For a number of reasons mainly related the conflict in Ukraine, the relations became strained and, as many analysts say, have come to a new cold war, which is reflected in public attitudes in these countries. Both in Russia and in the United States people's fear of military confrontation that may turn into a nuclear war has risen; mutual hostility has reached its highest level in the two decades: most Americans consider Russia enemy No. 1; Russians asses America in the same way. In Russian public opinion there is a widespread view that the U.S. is to blame for the crisis in Ukraine, but this is only the beginning of the attack on Russia aiming to isolate the country, to undermine its economy, to seize its territory and resources. American public accuses Russia of annexing Crimea, of the attack on democracy, civil rights and liberties of citizens, of support of the dictatorships and anti-democratic governments in the world. A special feature of anti-American sentiment in Russia during the last two years is that the United States supports the opposition forces in Russia to undermine the existing social order. According to a new trend in Russian popular sentiment, the country has risen from knees and is pursuing an independent foreign policy, relying on the superiority of traditional Russian moral values, in contrast to the decaying western culture that came to a deadlock.