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2. MENA Population’s Perceptions of Key Challenges, International Context and the Role of the European Union
- Author:
- Andrea Teti, Pamela Abbott, Paolo Maggiolini, and Valeria Talbot
- Publication Date:
- 01-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- Survey data from the ArabTrans 2014 survey contains a unique battery of questions pertaining to the perception of the European Union. This report builds on those questions to analyse perceptions of the EU, its development cooperation programmes, its promotion of democracy, the appropriateness of its response to the Arab Uprisings, and the perception of the EU as an international actor. Overall, the data suggests low levels of awareness and relatively negative opinions of the EU’s actions both in general and in the specific context of its response to the Arab Uprisings. However, respondents’ preferences also suggest avenues for policy development for the Union such that it might simultaneously achieve its interests and meet the demands of MENA populations. Throughout, the paper also takes note of specific patterns and conditions found in individual countries which present particular challenges for the EU.
- Topic:
- International Relations, International Security, and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Middle East
3. EU Policy Impact and Public Perception in the Mena Region
- Author:
- Pamela Abbott and Andrea Teti
- Publication Date:
- 01-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- This working paper considers relations between the region and the European Union, something on which the ArabTrans survey was specifically designed to offer information. We supplement the ArabTrans survey by drawing on data from Waves II (2010/11) and III (2013) of the Arab Barometer and from the Gallup World Poll for 2011 and 2014. The Report considers what impact the policies pursued by the EU and its member countries have had on the lives of people living in four countries in the region - Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia - and how they view the EU and its involvement with their countries. It considers ordinary people’s attitudes to the EU and its policies but also discusses what ordinary people want and the extent to which EU policies address these concerns.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Middle East
4. Perceptions of the EU in MENA Public Opinion. Arab Transformations Policy Brief 2
- Author:
- Andrea Teti and Pamela Abbott
- Publication Date:
- 04-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- The EU views itself as a normative actor and stresses the importance of working in partnership with its Southern Neighbourhood in reaching its intertwined goals of security, stability, inclusive development and shared prosperity, and of strengthening democratisation, human rights and the rule of law across the Mediterranean. The Arab Transformations Project public opinion survey carried out in 2014 in six countries – Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia – sheds some light on this on how citizens viewed the EU and its involvement with their own countries, as well as the extent to which they thought EU policies addressed their concerns.
- Topic:
- International Affairs and International Development
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Middle East
5. Socio-economic Inequality and the Failure of Development Strategies for the Middle East. Arab Transformations Policy Brief 3
- Author:
- Andrea Teti and Pamela Abbott
- Publication Date:
- 04-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- The main drivers of the Arab Uprisings were economic grievances and a perceived growth in inequalities. Poor economic growth and lack of inclusive policies are the underlying causes of insecurity in the region The main concerns of people in the MENA are economic security and corruption. People think that the best way in which the EU can help their countries in the wake of the Uprisings is with support for inclusive economic development. The EU needs to develop its policies so that they bring economic benefits to the countries in the region as well as to the EU the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement no #320214 Summary: The main drivers of the Arab Uprisings were economic grievances and a perceived growth in inequalities. Poor economic growth and lack of inclusive policies are the underlying causes of insecurity in the region The main concerns of people in the MENA are economic security and corruption. People think that the best way in which the EU can help their countries in the wake of the Uprisings is with support for inclusive economic development. The EU needs to develop its policies so that they bring economic benefits to the countries in the region as well as to the EU
- Topic:
- International Political Economy
- Political Geography:
- Middle East
6. Against the Tide: Why Gender Attitudes Remain Profoundly Conservative in Arab Countries: Arab Transformations Policy Brief No 5
- Author:
- Andrea Teti and Pamela Abbott
- Publication Date:
- 04-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- The Arab region retains deeply conservative gender attitudes against the trend of moves to more liberal values generally across the globe. Arab citizens say they support gender equality but women are generally treated as second class citizens especially in family law. Islam is often blamed for gender conservatism, but the systematic repression of political alternatives to Islamism and often-perfunctory way in which women's equality agendas are treated by autocratic regimes are more important. Efforts to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women need to be led by Arab women and men and incorporate Islamic feminists as well as secular ones
- Topic:
- Gender Issues and International Political Economy
- Political Geography:
- Middle East
7. The Integrity of States: Corruption in the EU's Southern Neighbourhood. Arab Transformations Policy Brief No 6
- Author:
- Andrea Teti and Pamela Abbott
- Publication Date:
- 04-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- Corruption is the antithesis of the Rule of Law and erodes the discourse of fairness and mutual consideration which is necessary for peace, prosperity and socioeconomic development. It increases the risk of state capture and resistance to change by the political elite. It results in poor public management and resource allocation and an inequitable distribution of resources and national wealth. It is a problem not just for individual countries but also for harmonious diplomatic and economic relations. The European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy is intended to help its near neighbours develop into a sustainable economic, social and political stability. At the same time the EU deploys normative leadership to promote a social and political security based on a respect for human rights, a dependence on the Rule of Law and a style of governance which can listen to its people and can face replacement, if need be, without the need for armed confrontation. For this, the extent of corruption in MENA is a serious problem. Keywords: Corruption, Middle East, Arab Spring
- Topic:
- Corruption and International Law
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Middle East
8. Iraq After ISIS: Continued Conflict or Rebuilding Beyond Ethno-Sectarian Identity? Arab Transformations Policy Brief No 7
- Author:
- Andrea Teti, Pamela Abbott, and Munqith Dagher
- Publication Date:
- 04-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- With ISIS' influence declining, Iraq faces the challenge of rebuilding both its economy and its political system. • Amidst the devastation left by conflict, Iraq's political leaders have the opportunity to address the internal divisions which made ISIS possible. • Any post-conflict settlement must take into account the population's concerns and priorities. • Sectarian identity is less influential than commonly assumed in shaping people's political priorities: often more important are local conditions, particularly regarding security, the economy, and migration. • Ignoring popular priorities risks undermining post-ISIS attempts to build a stable country, with knock-on effects at a regional level.
- Topic:
- International Security and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Middle East
9. What Drives Migration from the Middle East? Why People Want to Leave Arab States
- Author:
- Andrea Teti and Pamela Abbott
- Publication Date:
- 06-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- Data from the Arab Transformations public opinion survey provides strong indications about the nature of population movements from Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. As such they are crucial in designing responsive, evidence-based policy. ArabTrans data shows those who have considered migrating tend to be young, male, and with higher levels of education (the notable exception being Libya). In all countries surveyed, young people are more likely to have considered migrating; in nearly all countries the economy is the main driver of migration; and although a substantial portion of those considering migration think of a permanent move, large proportions are considering only temporary migration. This underscores the importance of economic policies which actually deliver inclusive growth and social cohesion. Two major conclusions can be drawn from this data: first, that the economic causes and strong temporary dimension of migration provide EU Member states with opportunities to reap the benefits of migration, both to the economy as a whole and to welfare systems in particular; second, that MENA countries of origin present significant internal differentiation suggesting policy should reflect specific national circumstances. The single major obstacle to public discussion and designing evidence-based policies which maximise the benefits of migration to both host countries and countries of origin is a political context which conflates and securitizes refugees and migrants. Paradoxically, the tone of this debate and the way policy is designed and implemented may have much to do with any socio-political polarisation of migrants in host countries
- Topic:
- Migration and International Security
- Political Geography:
- Middle East
10. The Relative Importance of Religion and Region in Explaining Differences in Political Economic and Social Attitudes in Iraq in 2014: Findings from the Arab Transformations Public Opinion Survey
- Author:
- Andrea Teti and Pamela Abbott
- Publication Date:
- 04-2016
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Arab Transformations Project, University of Aberdeen
- Abstract:
- Based on the Arab Transformations survey of Iraq in 2014, this paper examines the relative weight of religious identification and region of residence in several key areas, including main challenges perceived by the population, perceptions of security, of economic conditions, of governance, political mobilisation, corruption, and migration. Contrary to the perception that sectarian identity is the most important factor in understanding contemporary Iraqi politics, this analysis shows that religious identification is often a confounding variable, and that regional location better captures variations in respondents’ perceptions, including in key areas such as security, the economy, and migration.
- Topic:
- International Security and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Middle East