RUSSIA’S FOREIGN POLICY AS ASSESSED BY PUBLIC OPINION: PERCEPTION, AMBITION AND PRAGMATISM

The article analyzes the perception of Russia’s foreign policy in public opinion, focusing on the dynamics of ambition, pragmatism, and the transformation of views in the context of geopolitical instability. The author examines the evolution of modern hybrid conflicts, emphasizing the limited effectiveness of forceful methods and the need to combine military power with economic, energy, and information instruments of influence. It is noted that even successful military operations do not provide long-term political results, and international isolation increases risks for the economy. Particular attention is paid to the role of hybrid confrontation, where propaganda, cyberattacks, and information wars aimed at consolidating domestic support and destabilizing opponents become key. The contrast between “virtual victories” (for example, creating an image of success) and real economic and demographic losses is emphasized. Based on sociological data, generational differences are revealed: the older generation, nostalgic for the Soviet period, more often supports an independent policy, while the youth demonstrates ambition in goals, but pragmatism in methods. At the same time, a significant part of society (18%) advocates a hard line, despite the general trend in favor of a balance of power and diplomacy. The study records an increase in support for Russia’s foreign policy over the past 15 years, especially among women and older respondents, which is associated with increased confidence in the country’s ability to defend its interests. The author points to the influence of state propaganda in the formation of patriotic attitudes and conservative views, and also analyzes the relationship between the perception of the successes/ failures of politics and the preferences of citizens. The article contributes to understanding the transformation of public opinion in the context of escalating conflicts, emphasizing the complex interaction of historical experience, pragmatism and geopolitical ambitions in the context of modern Russian foreign policy.