Public Opinion and the US-Russia Relationship

Reciprocally negative public perceptions are often considered an important factor in explaining the dynamics in current US-Russia relations and impeding potential normalisation. The question, however, remains whether “anti-Americanism” and “Russophobia” in public attitudes are an established fact or simply a useful rhetorical cliché. This FIIA seminar will try to see what the sentiment on both sides actually is and what stands behind it. To what extent do the American and Russian public consider each other a threat? What are the respective views concerning interference in domestic affairs? The presentations will be based on research conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Levada Analytical Center.