After seeing their hopes for elections in late 2021 crushed, Libyans are growing frustrated at the incompetence of the political class and its failure to resolve the country’s ongoing crises. Libyans perceive foreign actors as contributors to, if not inciters of, the conflict and want to see Libyan-led efforts to reconcile the country’s divisions. Trust in most political institutions is…
International Relations
Iraq Country Report 2021-2022
Findings from Arab Barometer’s latest wave in Iraq foreshadow the frustration that peaked in the summer of 2022. Citizens perceive corruption to be as high as their trust in political institutions is low. There is no consensus about what the biggest domestic challenges are, or what avenues provide the best course of redress. But whatever reform the system demands, Iraqis increasingly want…
Lebanon Country Report 2021-2022
Many record highs and lows in views of Lebanese citizens compared with any previous survey in any foreign country, latest Arab Barometer’s survey shows. Among others, all-time lows are seen in satisfaction with the government, interpersonal trust, and economic outlook, while perceptions of government corruption is at an all-time high. Vast majorities agree the status quo is untenable, so what does reform…
Xi Wins Over Arab Leaders Looking Beyond U.S. in One of Most Powerful Trips
As Chinese President Xi Jinping reemerges in-person on the world stage after more than two years of avoiding travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his visit to Saudi Arabia may be his most impactful trip yet. The Chinese leader is seeking to bolster Beijing’s ties in a strategic region where the longstanding influence of the United States appears to be on on…
China lends billions to poor countries. Is that a burden … or a blessing?
Chinese leaders have often boasted about their country’s “miracle” progress in alleviating poverty and indicated their willingness to share their expertise with other nations. Take its “Belt and Road Initiative,” also known as the New Silk Road. China has spent nearly one trillion dollars in the last decade building highways, railways, ports and energy plants from east Asia to Europe in a…
Public Opinion in Lebanon 2021-2022
Key Findings From Arab Barometer Wave Seven: Trust in political actors is extremely low and has fallen over the last decade with the notable exception of the LAF. The economy & corruption are seen as the country’s biggest problems while there is wide concern about growing inequality. Lebanese want the government to lower the cost of living, create jobs, &…