Attitudes Towards the Soviet Union and Stalin over Time: Who Still Has Positive Sentiments?

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of public opinion in Georgia regarding the dissolution of the Soviet Union and attitudes towards Stalin. Using the most recent wave of the Caucasus Barometer (CB) and comparing it to the wave a decade ago, the study analyses the scale of changes in perceptions. The findings suggest that while the attitudes towards Stalin - as well as towards the Soviet Union - have always differed among various age groups, the generally positive assessment of the dissolution of the Soviet Union has increased significantly. In addition, using regression analysis, the article examines the characteristics of people who are more or less likely to reflect positively on the Soviet era and Stalin, including members of the younger generation, who are more likely to have pro-Western values.