Arab Barometer and perceptions of China in MENA

Different people have different perspectives on China's image in the MENA region. Some are positive while others are negative. However, we want to know the public's opinion on a larger scale while employing the proper scientific technique.

In today's podcast, we are joined by Michael Robbins, Director and Co-Principal Investigator, of Arab Barometer, a nonpartisan research network that provides insight into the social, political, and economic attitudes and values of ordinary citizens across the Arab world. In the show, Michael explains the Arab Barometer and its purpose, as well as how they conduct surveys and collect data. He also discusses the region's perception of China based on their research. He also elaborated on the different perspectives of the elite versus the general public on China, as the elite is more favorable to China. These findings may be questioned because the majority of the public has no knowledge of or interest in geopolitics, and they may change as more information is gathered. Finally, he discusses the factors that can change or influence people's attitudes toward a country.

Takeaways
The Arab Barometer, its functions, research, and its goals
China’s perception around the MENA region according to surveys
The view of the Gulf region differs from other countries in the region
The negative view of China by the people of Israel and Palestine
The differences between public opinion versus the elite according to data
The factors that influence foreigners' perceptions of a country

Quotes
We find that China remains relatively popular. we see that at least half or roughly half say that they have a positive view of China overall. - Michael

there is a broad sense that the views of China are stronger among the elites according to data - Michael

Probably in the next ten years, China will really come into view from the Middle East and there will probably be slightly more fixed views of China itself. - Michael

Featured in this Episode
Jonathan Fulton
Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Assistant Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi
Profile: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/jonathan-fulton/
Linkedin: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fulton-2627414b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonathandfulton

Michael Robbins
Director and Co-Principal Investigator, Arab Barometer
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdhrobbins
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/mdhrobbins
Website: https://www.arabbarometer.org

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:40 What is the Arab Barometer?
02:55 Which countries have the Urban Barometer been looking at?
04:41 How many people do you interview?
05:42 What are the perceptions of China around the region?
08:03 Are these perceptions of China might change?
12:34 A big shift of opinion in a short period of time
17:39 Different views of China in the Gulf region
19:30 Negative perceptions of China in Israel
23:48 Elite perceptions versus public perceptions of China
26:33 Explanation behind high and low perceptions of China from different countries
32:03 Palestinians don’t support China despite the aid from China
35:28 Factors that affect a country's positive or negative perceptions
41:21 Links and Resources on data and research from Arab Barometer

This podcast was produ