As the COVID pandemic continues to spread, countries across the globe are facing formidable challenges. Despite major differences in their political and economic systems and policy making processes, Russia and the United States are currently undertaking similar protective measures in order to combat the spread of the virus – but opinions regarding these measures are divided.

Where are citizens in these two countries getting their information about the virus? How do these populations feel about the protective measures being taken? What kind of political consequences might the pandemic have for leaders in both countries?

In this week’s episode, Maria Lipman chats with James Bell of Pew Research Center and Denis Volkov of the Levada Center about public opinion regarding the pandemic in the United States and Russia to learn more.