Analysts highlight Russia’s support for Palestine and Putin’s “strongman” image as key drivers of favorable opinions in Southeast Asia.
SINGAPORE: A Pew Research Center study has revealed that Malaysia and Singapore stand out among Southeast Asian countries for their increasingly positive views on Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Analysts attribute these trends to Russia’s support for the Palestinian cause and Putin’s “macho” image resonating with regional audiences.
The study, released on July 2, surveyed public opinion across 35 countries, focusing on attitudes toward NATO, Russia, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It found Malaysia leading globally, with 57% of respondents expressing favorable views of Russia—up from 47% in 2022.
In Singapore, positive opinions of Russia rose to 34%, while Thailand and the Philippines recorded 52% and 46%, respectively.
Key Drivers
Experts link Malaysia’s sentiment to its majority-Muslim population, which appreciates Moscow’s long-standing support for Palestinian statehood, especially in light of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Singapore’s rise in favorable views is similarly attributed to growing regional criticism of U.S. policies in the Middle East.
Putin’s personal popularity is notable, with 61% of Malaysians and 56% of Filipinos expressing confidence in his leadership. Analysts point to his portrayal as a defender of “traditional values” and his opposition to Western “woke” ideologies as factors resonating with conservative audiences.
Broader Trends
Globally, however, views of Russia remain largely unfavorable, with a median of 65% across the surveyed countries expressing negative opinions. Still, the report notes a slight improvement in Russia’s global ratings since 2022, driven in part by shifting geopolitical dynamics and narratives.
The findings come ahead of NATO’s 75th-anniversary summit in July 2024, as international attention continues to focus on Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its broader influence in global affairs.
