Many in Emerging and Developing Nations Disconnected from Politics
In recent years, high-profile protest movements have erupted in several emerging and developing countries, roiling, and sometimes overturning, the political status quo in Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, Ukraine, Brazil, Thailand and other nations. Millions have demonstrated, and activists have pioneered new forms of online engagement.
Tunisian Confidence in Democracy Wanes
With parliamentary elections approaching later this month, Tunisian support for democracy has declined steeply since the early days of the Arab Spring. Just 48% of Tunisians now say democracy is preferable to other kinds of government, down from 63% in a 2012 poll conducted only months after a popular uprising removed longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from office.
El-Sisi likely to win Egypt election, but questions about mandate remain
Low turnout in Egypt's presidential election has raised concerns that a victory for former general Abdel Fattah El-Sisi would leave the government without a sufficient mandate.
Rise of Greek nationalist ‘Golden Dawn’ party coincides with Greece’s economic crisis
The Greek government is preparing to try several lawmakers representing the Golden Dawn, a nationalist and anti-immigrant party that the government describes as “neo-Nazi.” The upcoming trial is related to the fatal stabbing of an anti-fascist rap musician on Sept. 18, by a Golden Dawn sympathizer. Golden Dawn, a far right wing party whose motto […]
Tunisians Disaffected with Leaders as Conditions Worsen
Overview In Tunisia, the euphoric Arab Spring has descended into a summer of discontent. Two years after launching the Arab Spring, setting in motion changes that have convulsed the Middle East and North Africa, worsening national conditions have soured Tunisians’ views of both their political leadership and many national institutions associated with the country’s democratic […]
As Mali Votes, Mixed Reception to French Intervention from Publics in Africa and Middle East
Survey Report Mali holds a presidential election July 28, its first election since the French military led a January 2013 intervention to oust Islamic rebels from the north of the country. As Malians go to the polls, Africans, on balance, approve of the French military incursion in its former colony and France enjoys a largely […]
Egyptians Increasingly Glum
Overview Two years after the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian public mood is increasingly negative. Month after month of political uncertainty, a weak economy and often violent street protests have taken their toll, and today a majority of Egyptians are dissatisfied with the way their new democracy is working. Only 30% of Egyptians think […]
Pakistani Views on Religion, Politics and Democracy
Pakistanis are scheduled to go to the polls to elect a new parliament and governing party or coalition on May 11. But a Pew Research Center survey of Muslims around the world finds that Pakistani Muslims are among the least likely to express support for democracy.
The Tahrir Square Legacy: Egyptians Want Democracy, a Better Economy, and a Major Role for Islam
Two years after Egyptians first poured into Cairo’s Tahrir Square chanting “Down with Mubarak” the legacy of the Arab Spring remains uncertain. Polling since the uprising shows that Egyptians want democratic rights and institutions, a major role for Islam in political life, and an improved economy – a challenging set of demands for the new cadre of Egyptian leaders.
