Russian Poll: Anti-Western, Anti-U.S. Sentiment Hits New High

A new poll conducted by the Levada Center immediately following the Russo-Georgian war last month found that 75 percent of those surveyed said Russian-American relations were "not good," and another 39 percent said the relations were "chilly." A smaller percentage, 28 percent said relations were "strained," and 8 percent said they were "hostile." Russian forces entered Georgia August 8 after Georgian military forces launched an offensive aimed at reestablishing control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia. Russian military units are still in Georgia proper, manning checkpoints and controlling a vital seaport at Poti.

The poll revealed that a full 47 percent believe that major Western countries are Russia's enemies and will cause harm to Russian interests if they can. When asked about the war with Georgia, just about half said the United States was trying to "spread its influence over Russia's neighbors," and nearly three-quarters said the West's support of Georgia is an attempt "to weaken Russia and force it out of the Caucasus." The United States and Georgia have become close allies, with the two nations engaging in military cooperation targeted at operations in Iraq and against Chechen rebels operating from Georgian territory.

The Russian people were demoralized after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and most have welcomed the push for a new nationalist spirit and renewed Russian pride championed by Vladimir Putin over the past half decade. High energy prices have increased the quality of life for the average Russian, and Putin's push for a stronger Russia on the international stage has been enthusiastically embraced at home.

But Putin has done more than just push for a stronger, more nationalist Russia. He has worked feverishly to reverse the few democratic gains that were made in the 1990s, has used energy as a diplomatic weapon, has invested heavily in the Russian military, and has worked to counter the United States on virtually every significant international issue.

The war with Georgia was just Putin's latest jab at the west. Medvedev may be president, but few actually believe that he is calling the shots when it comes to Russian foreign policy. The real problem for the West is that the Russians are buying what Putin is selling. And with the Russian people on his side, Putin is likely to continue his adversarial relationship with the West, knowing that Europe has no stomach for a fight with Russia and that the United States is too occupied in Afghanistan and Iraq to do much to stop him.