RUSSIALINK RBTH: “Index of fear: What are Russians most afraid of?”

Most Russians polled are afraid of war and international conflicts, but the number decreased to 14 points in December compared to 23 points in January 2016.

(Russia Beyond the Headlines – rbth.ru – January 30, 2017)

Russians’ main fears remain the threat of war and inflation, while family troubles are the least worry. These findings are the results of a survey conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM).

An “index of fears” developed by sociologists shows those things that Russians are afraid of most. The index is measured in points, ranging from negative 100 to 100. The higher the number, the more likely something appears to be a problem.

Most Russians polled are afraid of war and international conflicts, but the number decreased to 14 points in December compared to 23 points in January 2016.

The index showing fears of inflation and falling savings was also at 2016’s lowest in December with 10 points versus 19 points at the start of that year.

VCIOM’s head of research, Mikhail Mamonov, said the survey clearly showed that December was one of the most tranquil months of 2016. This was largely due to stability on the foreign exchange market, and because Russians were happy with the government’s statements that it sought peace, reported Regnum news agency.

The VCIOM poll was conducted on Dec. 24-25 among 1,600 people in 130 Russian towns and cities.

[Article also appeared at rbth.com/politics_and_society/2017/01/30/index-of-fear-what-are-russians-most-afraid-of_692363]