How Europeans compare Putin and Stalin in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine

Abstract

This study examines public perceptions of similarities between Vladimir Putin and Joseph Stalin across five European countries: Austria, Denmark, Finland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The analysis uses survey data collected between December 2024 and January 2025 to investigate how historical memory, geopolitical proximity, political orientation, and media exposure are linked to these perceptions. The findings reveal significant cross-national and within-country variations. Northern European countries, particularly Finland and Denmark, show stronger perceptions of similarity, likely due to historical encounters with Soviet aggression and geographical proximity to Russia. In contrast, Austria, Spain, and the United Kingdom exhibit more moderate views, influenced by different historical experiences and greater geographical distance. Within each country, individuals closely following news about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and perceiving the conflict as a significant global threat are more likely to draw parallels between Putin and Stalin. Political ideology also plays a role, with far-right party supporters in Austria less inclined to perceive similarities. These findings underscore the links between historical legacies and contemporary geopolitical concerns, offering insights into how past experiences shape public perceptions of modern authoritarian leaders and influence European political discourse on Russia’s actions.