Valdai Club

The negative trends revealed in the survey of Russia’s political system indicate a fundamental challenge to the Russian government as well as Russia’s nation-state building. In retrospect, the most substantial damage caused by the disintegration of USSR is in the area of Russia’s national and political identities.

Russia’s image has improved much more among the general public than elites. Russia ought to step up efforts to improve its image among elites, for example through greater involvement in science, education, and cultural projects in Western countries.