Broad Support for Democracy and Mixed Views on Living Conditions in the Arab World

The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies has unveiled the findings of the 2024 to 2025 Arab Opinion Index, marking its ninth edition. This comprehensive survey, which encompasses 15 Arab countries, includes the first nationwide polling conducted within Syria. Fieldwork for the survey was carried out between October 2024 and August 2025, involving over 40,000 respondents. The results indicate that 57 percent of participants perceive a positive trajectory for their countries, while 37 percent hold a contrary view. Economic challenges persist, with 41 percent of respondents stating that their income only meets basic needs, and 28 percent indicating that it falls short. Outside the Gulf states, many households report dependence on loans or external assistance to manage their financial situations. Support for democratic governance remains robust across the region, with 68 percent of respondents favoring a democratic system. This figure aligns with trends observed in previous surveys since 2011. Trust in public institutions, however, varies significantly; legislative councils received a trust rating from 51 percent of respondents, while the military garnered the highest level of trust at 82 percent. The survey also highlights the severe impact of ongoing conflicts on civilian populations. In Gaza, over 85 percent of respondents reported experiencing repeated displacement, food insecurity, and a lack of essential services such as water, electricity, and medical supplies. In Lebanon, 76 percent of individuals in areas affected by Israeli actions reported being forced to flee, with many facing limited access to food and healthcare. In Sudan, 47 percent of respondents indicated they had been internally displaced since the onset of conflict, with more than half reporting shortages of electricity, food, and medication. Public opinion within Syria was explored in depth, revealing that between 80 and 94 percent of respondents expressed feelings of hope and relief following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, although around 80 percent also reported feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. Respondents identified economic conditions, security, political stability, and national unity as the most critical issues facing the country. While sectarian discourse was acknowledged, a significant portion attributed it to foreign interference, and a majority indicated they do not differentiate in their interactions based on sect or religion. The 2024 to 2025 edition of the Arab Opinion Index further examines social media usage, trust in digital information, and exposure to misleading content, reflecting the increasing influence of online platforms in shaping public opinion throughout the region.

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