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Attitudes towards the market economy and capitalism in Ukraine, Poland and Russia

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  • Rainer Zitelmann

Abstract

This article presents the results of opinion polls conducted in Ukraine, Poland, and Russia, focusing on attitudes towards the market economy and capitalism. The polls first asked six questions about the market economy without explicitly referencing ‘capitalism’. The only countries in which attitudes towards the ‘market economy’ are more positive than in Ukraine are Poland, the United States, the Czech Republic, South Korea, and Japan, while opinions are more negative in 30 countries. The most negative attitude towards the market economy in our survey across 36 countries was found among respondents in Russia. The survey also featured an association test with ten terms related to capitalism, along with 18 additional statements – both positive and negative – about capitalism. Among the 36 countries surveyed, the level of support for ‘capitalism’ in Ukraine is only exceeded by Poland, while it is similarly high in the United States. In 33 countries, however, overall perceptions of capitalism are more negative than in Ukraine. In contrast, general opinions of capitalism were more negative in only two of the 36 countries than in Russia.

Suggested Citation

  • Rainer Zitelmann, 2026. "Attitudes towards the market economy and capitalism in Ukraine, Poland and Russia," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(2), pages 175-189, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecaffa:v:46:y:2026:i:2:p:175-189
    DOI: 10.1111/ecaf.70038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rainer Zitelmann, 2023. "Attitudes towards capitalism in 34 countries on five continents," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(3), pages 353-371, October.
    2. Kurlantzick, Joshua, 2016. "State Capitalism: How the Return of Statism is Transforming the World," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199385706.
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