What does the people think? The sociological Research by the Yuri Levada Analytical Center
More than a half (52%) of all the respondents in January 2005, said that during 5-6- last years the number of Russians supporting extremely nationalist positions increased. Only 6% of respondents suppose this number decreased and 20% think this number didn’t change.
The respondents answering the question about the increasing Russian nationalism say the main reason for that is the increasing number of terrorist acts (19%), bad living conditions in Russia (14%), provoking activities national minorities (12%), inability of powers to fight nationalism (5%), its unwillingness to fight nationalism (5%)/ Only 2% of the respondents speak about the “national prejudices” of the Russian people
As to the idea “Russia for Russians” 16% support it completely adding that it’s time to implement it. 37% of the respondents say it should implemented within reasonable limits. 25% are negative about it, saying it’s a real fascism, 21% are not interested about it at all, they didn’t even think about it or can’t give an answer.
39% of the respondents suppose that the representatives of the national minorities in Russia live better than Russians, 34% are sure they live just as Russians, 17% think they live worse than Russians do.
Regarding the representatives of Southern regions living in respondents’ city or town, 46% are neutral about them, 8% express the respect and sympathy, 23% - a sense of irritation, 24% - dislike and hostility, 4% - fear. 58% are ready to positively apprehend the powers’ verdict banning the southerners to live in their region or town.
Only 19% suppose that the skinheads’ latest attacks against southerners can be justified by the recent terrorist acts. 72% of respondents don’t agree with it. At the same time 44% respondents would welcome some administrative limitations of the dissemination of Islam. 38% would be negative about it.
In February a number of the State Duma nationalist deputies representing the Communist Party, the “Rodina” party suggested to ban the Jewish religious and civil organizations in Russia. 15% called it a concern of real patriots of the poor situation of Russian people, 15% think it was a try to gain a political capital, 13% said it was the example of mass anti-Semitism demonstration.
25% said it was a provocation aimed at the kindling of national conflicts in the country, 20% consider it as the deputies’ private initiative, 45% are sure there is a powerful force behind them.