In August 2015, Russia reportedly destroyed 300 tons of food from nations which had imposed
sanctions on them.
These actions have served as an affront to Western countries like the United States,
which has spent much of the last century locked in battle with the Soviets.
A 2015 poll found that more than 80% of Russians have negative opinions about the United States,
compared to 34% in 2012.
So, why does Russia hate the United States?
Well, since the Russian Revolution of 1917, when the US supported the anti-Communist side,
Russia and the US have been in a fairly constant state of tension.
Numerous territorial encroachments, proxy wars, and alternating alliances have set the
stage for both countries to fear each other’s imperialist goals.
In recent years, Russian President, Vladimir Putin has called the United States a “parasite,"
living off the global economy.
Throughout Russia, Americans are given the nickname, “pindos," that suggests they are
heavily armed and surrounded by technology, but weak and ineffectual without it.
This break in relations can in part be attributed to the US’s push for sanctions following
Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
A number of problems with Russia’s economy, including the collapse of their currency,
and their inability to borrow money, are the result of US involvement.
Amongst Russian citizens, prices for food and basic goods have dramatically increased.
Last year Russia’s economy grew barely half a percent, compared to 4.5% in 2010.
Russia is also majorly unhappy with the buildup of NATO forces throughout Eastern Europe following
the collapse of the Soviet Union.
They see the increase in military bases and personnel as a method of keeping Russia subjugated.
There is a considerable amount of propaganda coming from both Russian state-controlled
media sources, and long-held conspiratorial beliefs about the United States.
Many Russians believe that the events of 9/11 were planned by the US government in order
to invade the Middle East.
Roughly 40% of Russians don’t believe that the US ever landed on the moon.
Analysts have also said that Russian hatred of the United States is calculated to strengthen
Russian foreign policy.
In situations like the 2008 South Ossetia war, Russia accused the US of supporting the
genocide of Ossetians.
However, numerous reports claim that Russia started the conflict themselves.
During the 2013 Euromaidan protests in Ukraine, Russian counterprotesters claimed that the
demonstrations were orchestrated by American forces.
As a direct representation of East meets West ideological and political disagreements, the
US and Russia are both vying for greater influence.
This divide has made Russia an even more vilified figure around the world than the US.
A recent Pew poll found that nearly every country had very low confidence in Vladimir
Putin, with most negative ratings passing 75%.
Even in the Middle East, President Barack Obama polled with a higher favorability than
Putin.
So why does Russia hate the US?
A mix of historical tension, political rivalry, culture clash, sanctions, and heavy propaganda
have all made for an extremely hostile situation.
Russia is one of many volatile areas in the world.
If you’re interested in seeing on the ground reporting from conflicts and crisis around
the world, check out my channel with Fusion!
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