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

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