The national security system is undergoing radical change due to the war in Ukraine and a number of hybrid threats. In order to effectively address these military and hybrid threats, an urgent re-evaluation of the system is required. Before making certain decisions, it is necessary to identify public perceptions on security and defense issues, Elena Mârzac, of the Platform for Security and Defense Initiatives, said during a press conference.
“The vast majority of threats to our security are related to information security, to our infospace that is vulnerable to external interference, which leads to a significant transformation of the national security system. Threats such as disinformation are often used intentionally and results in the polarization of our society, but also undermines the democratic process and security policies, influences the political agenda and decision-making process, and diminishes trust in public or political authorities”, said Elena Mârzac.
Elena Mârzac highlighted the importance of the opinion poll titled “Public perceptions of the security and defense system of the Republic of Moldova”, launched on Wednesday by the Platform for Security and Defense Initiatives, stating that the survey could contribute to the shaping of security policies. The findings can be of great use to both governmental authorities and the academic community, she added.
45% of the country’s population believes that the Russian Federation represents a threat to the Republic of Moldova, according to the survey. At the same time, 21.5% of the respondents think that Russia will be able to help the Republic of Moldova in case of security problems.
Vasile Cantarji, of the CBS-Research polling organization, noted that there is no sociodemographic group that does not fear the war in Ukraine, but the polarization of society is still evident. Almost half of the respondents believe that the Russian Federation could not attack Moldova and another half believe that it could. “There are many who see in the Russian Federation a danger for the statehood of the Republic of Moldova and equally many who believe that the Russian Federation would be a partner that could help us in case of security problems”, explained the sociologist.
Data for the survey was collected during October 14-28. The second part of the qualitative report will be presented in a month.
