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…
Gender Issues
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…
A long way to liberalization, or is it? Public perceptions of women empowerment in the Middle East and North Africa
This paper explores the question of what explains public opinion of women empowerment in the Middle East and North Africa. Muslim societies have often been accused of conservatism toward empowerment, stripping women of equal access to education and opportunities. However, many predominantly Muslim societies in the MENA region seem to be on the way to implement change to provide women…
Gender Attitudes and Trends in the Middle East and North Africa 2021-2022
Arab Barometer Wave VII surveys make clear that while Arab citizens hold largely traditional views on gender norms, minds are changing towards greater gender equality. Furthermore, governments have many tools in their arsenal to engage their underutilized female workforce.
Food Insecurity and its Discontents in the Middle East and North Africa
Food insecurity plagues majorities of citizens in six out of 10 countries surveyed as part of Arab Barometer’s seventh wave (2021-2022). Majorities from 53 percent in Libya to 68 percent in Egypt report that they ran out of food before they had money to buy more. And in nine out of 10 countries, more than half of all citizens express…
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, &…