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1. Youth in MENA: Findings from the Fifth Wave of the Arab Barometer

Author:
Amaney Jamal, Michael Robbins, and Salma Al-Shami
Publication Date:
08-2020
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Arab Barometer
Abstract:
Youth economic frustration across MENA is increasing ▶ Youth have little trust in governments, which are widely viewed as being corrupt, leading to a potential crisis of legitimacy in the region ▶ However, views of youth differ relatively little from older generations in this regard ▶ Youth are more likely to want to emigrate and to participate in informal politics ▶ Arab publics, including youth, generally affirm women’s equal rights but less accepting of their equal roles in society
Topic:
Corruption, Human Rights, Public Opinion, Authoritarianism, Women, Democracy, and Youth
Political Geography:
Middle East and North Africa

2. The 2019 Algerian Protests

Author:
Michael Robbins
Publication Date:
08-2019
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Arab Barometer
Abstract:
As a country that experienced few protests during the Arab uprisings of 2011, this year’s demonstrations in Algeria caught most observers by surprise. The massive outpouring of public opinion, which has continued for months, has toppled a long-standing leader and continues to challenge the ruling system. The 2019 Arab Barometer public opinion survey was conducted on the eve of the protests, lending unique insight into several key questions: Were these protests to be expected? What drives the protests? And, what do Algerians want for the future? The survey results demonstrate that declining conditions meant a breakdown of the social contract among all segments of society, which resulted in a high level of protest activity in recent years. However, these protests occurred largely outside the capital, leading many analysts to likely overlook them. Nevertheless, the survey suggests that while Algerians know what they do not want, they are divided on what they seek to achieve for the future, remaining skeptical of democracy and divided on the role of religion in public life. In other words, there is not a clear way forward or clear destination – instead, Algerians appear open to any system of governance that can bring improved governance and better economic outcomes.
Topic:
Religion, Social Movement, Public Opinion, Authoritarianism, Democracy, Protests, and Social Contract
Political Geography:
Middle East, Algeria, and North Africa

3. Migration in the Middle East and North Africa

Author:
Michael Robbins
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Arab Barometer
Abstract:
Across the Middle East and North Africa, roughly one-in-three citizens are considering emigrating from their homeland. This level represents a dramatic increase since 2016, which ended a long-term decline in the percentage of citizens who considered migrating. For example, the percentage of Jordanians who want to migrate is 23-points higher than in 2016 while the increase among Moroccans is 17 points during the same period. Smaller but sizable increases have also taken place in other countries like Egypt (+10 points). Citizens are more likely to want to leave if they are young, well educated and male. Youth are the more likely to want to leave, with more than half of those ages 18-29 thinking about migrating in five of 11 countries surveyed. Additionally, in most countries those with a higher level of education are also more disposed to move abroad, raising the specter of brain drain in many countries. The predominate reason some Arab citizens seek to leave their homeland are economic reasons, reflecting a broader frustration of years of economic stagnation. Other commonly cited reasons include corruption, security concerns or to pursue educational opportunities. Notably, older potential migrants are more likely to cite economic factors as the primary reason behind their decision while younger potential migrants are more likely to name corruption, for example. Europe is the most commonly cited destination for potential migrants, especially among those living in the Maghrib countries of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The next most commonly favored destination are Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly among migrants from Egypt, Yemen and Sudan. Meanwhile, Jordanians and Lebanese are especially likely to favor the U.S. or Canada. Although most potential migrants would only leave if they had the required papers, substantial percentages say they would consider migrating illegally, including roughly four-in-ten in six of 11 countries surveyed. Those who would consider migrating illegally are more likely to be young, male, and have lower levels of education, likely reflecting the limited opportunities these citizens perceive for a future in their homeland. These are among the key findings from 11 nationally representative public opinion surveys conducted in across the Middle East and North Africa by the Arab Barometer in September 2018-May 2019. The surveys included more than 27,000 face-to-face interviews in the respondent’s place of residence and each has a margin of error of ±2 percent.
Topic:
Migration and Public Opinion
Political Geography:
Middle East and North Africa

4. Women in the Middle East and North Africa: A Divide between Rights and Roles

Author:
Michael Robbins and Kathrin Thomas
Publication Date:
10-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Arab Barometer
Abstract:
Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), most publics surveyed believe women should have equal rights to men in a variety of areas including access to university education (75 percent), employment (84 percent), and political oce (62 percent). • Yet, despite widespread support for women’s rights, majorities in many Arab publics favor limiting the roles women play in society. For example, one third believe women are as effective in public leadership compared with men. Six-in-ten believe that the husband should have the final say in decision making within the family. • Unsurprisingly, men are, in general, less supportive of women’s rights and more restrictive in their desired roles for women. Additionally, citizens with lower levels of education are often more likely to hold unequal views, suggesting that as educational attainment increases across MENA, attitudes toward women may also shift. • Overall, these results from nationally representative public opinion surveys carried out by the Arab Barometer imply that exports to improve women’s equality need to move beyond ensuring equal rights to focus on attitudinal shifts about the roles women should play in society.
Topic:
Gender Issues, Politics, Public Opinion, Women, Democracy, Equality, and Political Rights
Political Geography:
Middle East and North Africa