The All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), together with the Eurasian Monitor Association, commissioned by Rossotrudnichestvo, conducted last year a sociological study in neighboring countries. Sociologists have studied the public opinion of the CIS countries regarding Russia and its humanitarian cooperation programs. Sociologist Igor Zadorin, a representative of the Eurasian Monitor, spoke about some of the results of the study, Ritmeuarsia.org reports.
With the greatest sympathy for Russia are in Tajikistan (95% of respondents), with the least - in Azerbaijan (38%). Approximately the same spread of opinions when answering the question whether Russia can be considered a friendly country.
As for Uzbekistan (I. Zadorin spoke with a Podrobno.uz correspondent), according to the results of the survey, 74% of Uzbeks have a positive attitude towards Russia. It is also the most friendly for 67% of respondents.
“It is important to know how the population of our countries relates to the Commonwealth, to interaction between states, since it allows us to identify whether there is potential for the development of economic, economic and other ties. After all, the issue of integration is not only a matter of politicians, for the most part it concerns citizens as well. Their opinion plays a big role in whether ties will be broken or, on the contrary, intensified,” I. Zadorin noted.
“The study showed,” the expert continued, “how different we are. Despite the fact that we have a common history, and in principle there is still much in common, different geopolitical vectors are emerging. For example, Azerbaijan today is more focused on the Turkic-speaking world, in Moldova, which is closer to Europe, the West is beginning to dominate. If you look at the dynamics, you can say that 10 years ago the situation was different.”
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 5, 2023