Sushko P.E. Attitudes towards the collective West against the backdrop of the escalating information war. In: Russian society and challenges of the time. Book Eight ...

Abstract

This chapter analyzes Russians' attitudes toward the "collective West" against the backdrop of an intensifying information war. The study revealed significant polarization in Russian society regarding the country's desired development vector and its place in the world. The special military operation in Ukraine not only exacerbated ideological contradictions in Russian society but also further polarized supporters of a distinctive and pro-Western development vector. A consolidated majority has emerged, oriented toward Russia's distinctive development path and a pronounced anti-Western stance, convinced of its special civilizational role, whose views possess a high degree of homogeneity and consistency. In contrast, the internal structure of the group oriented toward a pro-Western development model remains highly heterogeneous, and its ideological base is largely evolving spontaneously, in response to the current socioeconomic and political agenda. The differences between the groups are clearly illustrated by their assessments of external/internal threats, the consequences of Western sanctions, attitudes toward the Central Asian Military District, and views on patriotism and Russia's civilizational affinity. Proponents of a distinctive path are characterized by a clear identification of Russia as an independent and self-sufficient civilization, and their beliefs demonstrate little dependence on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics.