More figures come by way of comparison-58% of respondents are enthusiastic about the United Nations, 56% of the European Union, 50% the United Economic Environment of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine, and a mere 27% about NATO.
"What, do you think, was the main reason for a change of regime in several CIS countries?" ran one question. 40% said the overthrown regime was incompetent and corrupt, while 16% suspected pressure from the USA and certain other Western countries. Another 37% said both reasons came in a balance.
"Is Russia to make active influence on other CIS countries' politics lest they shift to Western orientation?" came another question. Here, 41% insisted on noninterference, while 34% called to exercise dynamic influence, and promote political leaders loyal to Russia.
The respondents pointed out arguments they considered principal for Russia to build up influence on other CIS countries. 16% said Russia was to regain its might and international impact. Another 15% spoke up for the union and close partnership of Soviet times revived. Russia and the other CIS countries are economically interconnected, said 9%. An equal number highlighted Russia's need to guarantee its safety and protect its borders. A mere 6% said Russia was to put an end to influence on other CIS countries by NATO and the West as a whole. 5% referred to a shared historical background, cultural affinity, and friendly international ties. 4% called to protect ethnic Russians resident in those countries.
The probe, of April 9-10, involved a hundred urban and rural settlements of 40 constituent entities of the Russian Federation-regions, territories and autonomies, with 1,600 respondents. The statistical error is within 3.4%.
