Democracy as Dignity: What Public Opinion Reveals in MENA

Key Takeaways

MENA Remains Pro-Democracy: Despite low confidence in political institutions, and the collapse of the Arab Spring’s democratic moment, the majority of MENA citizens still prefer a democratic government. Even in countries with widespread disillusionment, autocracy is not seen as a better alternative.

Democracy Dignity: Citizens conceive of democracy as dignity, prioritizing social and economic outcomes over procedural features such as elections, reinforcing that performance is the underlying feature of democratic legitimacy.

Dignity Priorities Shift with Local Stressors: In contexts battered by economic or security shocks (e.g., Tunisia, Lebanon), provision of basic needs tops the list; elsewhere (e.g., Morocco, Kuwait), equality and rule of law lead.

Reform Starts with Outcomes, Not Procedures: Anti-corruption enforcement, safety guarantees, reliable courts, and targeted economic safeguards are the entry points for rebuilding trust. Electoral reforms without parallel progress on these dignity benchmarks are unlikely to shift public attitudes.