Russians expect country to gradually assume more Western features – poll

(Interfax – MOSCOW, August 21, 2013) Most Russians tend to expect that Russia will develop according to the Western, not Asian pattern, sociologists from Levada Center have told Interfax.

According to a poll conducted in July in 130 towns and cities in 45 territories of Russia, over a quarter (27%) of the interviewed assume that in 50 years science, technology and armaments in Russia will be similar to Western, 15% more expect that Russia will be as rich and developed as Western states.

The greatest faith in the country’s flourishing is shared by young people aged 18-24 (24%) and residents of cities with a population of over half a million (23%). Residents of Moscow (10%), cities with a population of over half a million and people with low educational standards (9%) hope to see Russia rich and developed.

Meanwhile, 11% think Russia has potential to follow the example of the great Asian nations, namely, China and India.

There was almost the same amount of pessimists (9%) thinking that Russia will disintegrate and inevitably perish. The sentiments are most widely spread among people in the low income bracket who are short of money even for staples (22%).

Besides, 7% of Russians expect a return to the road of communism and socialism.

However, almost one third (31%) have no ideas about the future of Russia.