Dynamics of modern russian-american relations in assessments of Russians

The relationship between Russia and the United States has historically been complex, particularly during the Cold War. Today, these relations remain strained due to several objective factors, with the Special Military Operation that began in 2022 being a significant influence on their current state. As major global powers, both Russia and the United States exert influence through soft and hard power. Consequently, political and socio-economic changes in domestic and foreign policies directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. Public opinion in Russia regarding the United States has typically mirrored the broader state of bilateral relations. Recently, there has been a notable increase in interest among the Russian public in the diplomatic processes between the two countries. This study aims to explore how Russian citizens—especially the younger generation—perceive Russian-American relations today. The paper analyzes the evolution of modern Russian-American relations, utilizing data from research organizations such as Russian Public Opinion Research Center and Public Opinion Foundation, alongside regional studies and original surveys conducted by the authors of this paper in 2024–2025 among university students. The findings indicate that current relations between Russia and the United States are at a low point, characterized by widespread negative sentiment among Russians toward U.S. policies. The data reveals that dissatisfaction stems primarily from perceptions of the United States’ aggressive foreign policy. Interestingly, young people tend to be more optimistic than the general population regarding the potential for improvement in bilateral relations. Many students believe that U.S. global power, particularly in military strength, increased during Donald Trump's presidency, raising concerns among youth. However, unlike other social groups, young people express a stronger belief in the United States' capacity to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine. These findings shed light on public perceptions of Russian-American relations and illustrate how political developments affect international dynamics and the daily lives of Russian citizens.

foreign policy, Russia, the United States, bilateral relations, Russians, student youth