Michal Krawczyk, a professor at the University of Warsaw, explained on the sidelines of the Moldova Security Forum (MSF) how differences between people can create divisions in society. In an interview published by PISA, the expert noted that behavioural patterns are shaped, among other factors, by living conditions, levels of trust in authorities, and social connections.
For example, he said that in post-communist countries, older people tend to have less trust in the authorities. However, according to the researcher, the situation can vary from one country to another, and factors perceived in a certain way by citizens in one country may have the opposite effect in another.
“On average, people believe that their country’s situation is much worse than their own personal situation. For a researcher like me, who works with experimental methods, this suggests the possibility of an intervention designed to correct these perceptions. (…) However, if people believe that the country’s situation is not good, they are also likely to assume that others, at an individual level, believe their own situation has deteriorated or continues to worsen. (…)
“We are living through difficult times. Many people believe that such times require a strong leader. (…) One could argue that the story of European integration is the story of democratic countries that have managed to work together, cooperate, and establish lasting peace across the continent, despite geopolitical shocks,” Professor Krawczyk said.
In his view, Moldova represents a successful and inspiring story in the context of European integration. At the same time, Krawczyk noted that Russia promotes narratives that distort reality.
According to the expert, “factors such as the rule of law, honesty, transparency, and rising living standards are far more important for strengthening trust in democracy over the long term. This process takes time. A society cannot suddenly transition to one built on stronger trust. Patience is needed.”