On April 18, 2019,
Russian International Affairs Council hosted the presentation of Security Radar
2019 research, implemented by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Vienna. The research
analyzes the results of two surveys: a public opinion poll on security, as well
as a survey in the form of individual interviews with security experts. The two
surveys were conducted in seven European countries, including Russia.
On April 18, 2019, Russian International Affairs Council hosted the presentation of Security Radar 2019 research, implemented by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Vienna. The research analyzes the results of two surveys: a public opinion poll on security, as well as a survey in the form of individual interviews with security experts. The two surveys were conducted in seven European countries, including Russia. The text of the report is available here.
Ivan Timofeev, RIAC Director of Programs, and Peer Teschendorf, Head of Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moscow Office, made opening speeches.
The authors of the report noted that the results of the research show the willingness of people to compromise and search for mutual interests, adherence to international norms and standards, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The main message of the report was the call for politicians of European countries to “wake up” and responsibly form a political strategy in a situation when international tension is increasing.
An expert from Ukraine Nikolay Kapitonenko, Associate Professor at the Institute of International Relations of Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, Director of the Center for International Relations Research, underscored the fact that conflicts often represent the result of deliberate actions by politicians, and the result of manipulation over public opinion. At the same time, the desire of ordinary people to live in peace and stability does not have significant impact on achieving peace in reality.
Igor Zadorin, Executive Director of “Eurasia Monitor” international research agency, noted the difficulty of conducting cross-country surveys due to the fact that the questions themselves can be interpreted by respondents in different ways. At the same time, the opinion of ordinary respondents on foreign policy issues often depends on external factors and the influence of authorities.
In conclusion, the authors of the report stated that they plan to continue the research and add new countries.
