92% of Brazilians fear waiting effect on the economy, says research

A survey conducted by IPSOS-IPEC between July 3 and 8 indicates that seven out of ten Brazilians (72%) believe that recent international conflicts can greatly affect the country’s economy. Another 20% evaluate that the effects would be moderate, while only 4% consider that these conflicts would not impact Brazil. The result widens the sensitivity of the population in the face of geopolitical tensions and the fear of their economic developments.

The most expressive data reveals the country’s perception of economic vulnerability in the face of global wars and sanctions – a reading that goes beyond the conjuncture and points to a high degree of structural insecurity. The survey listened to 2,000 people in 131 municipalities and has a margin of error of two percentage points.

Foreign Affairs are also seen at risk

Concern is not restricted to the pocket. For 66% of respondents, international conflicts can also greatly affect Brazil’s diplomatic relations. Another 23% think the impact would be limited, while only 7% discard this type of interference.

The number reveals a growing awareness that Brazil, although historically not belligerent, is neither neutral nor immune to the reconfiguration of global alliances, especially in a context in which disputes between powers intensify.

Popular support for conflict powers is low

The research also asked what Brazilians’ perception is about countries involved in conflict. The results reveal widespread distrust of almost all international actors – which can reflect both political skepticism and a feeling of distancing.

• USA: 49% have unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion; 37% favorable or very favorable.
• Russia: 70% negative evaluation; only 15% favorable.
• Iran: 70% negative; 14% favorable.
• Israel: 52% unfavorable; 35% favorable.
• Palestine: 61% unfavorable; 21% favorable.
• Ukraine: 53% unfavorable; 32% favorable.

Even Ukraine, often portrayed in the media as a victim of Russian aggression, does not escape the disapproval of the majority. The case of Palestine is even more symptomatic of confusion, misinformation and removal of public opinion of these topics. This may indicate tiredness with the war news, difficulty understanding conflicts or resistance to identifying with external sides.

Low level of information generates insecurity and apathy

A worrying data of the survey is the low level of information of the population on the subject. Only 25% of respondents say they are well informed about international conflicts – an index that rises to 31% between men and people with higher education, but plummeted to 17% among those who have elementary school.

Almost half (46%) consider themselves “more or less” informed, while 27% admit ignorance. This helps to explain skepticism to conflict countries and the difficulty in forming a clear opinion on the role of Brazil in this chess.

Lack of familiarity with international disputes can generate both apathy and widespread aversion, preventing a critical understanding of the scenario and making it difficult to engage the population in debates on sovereignty, foreign trade and foreign policy.

Geopolitics enters the radar of the ordinary Brazilian – with distrust

The study indicates that even with low information, the Brazilian realizes that there is something bigger at stake. The conflicts between great powers were no longer matters restricted to diplomacy and began to generate apprehension on real impacts on everyday life, especially in the economy.

This new degree of consciousness – although marked by misinformation – requires a new communicational approach from the government and the media: it is necessary to explain more, and better, because Brazil cannot be neutral in the face of wars that impact the price of energy, food, exchange and world peace.