Survey Reveals Rising Secularism and Emigration Desires in Arab World

Are these signs or the harbinger of a new world order? While nothing can really affirm it for the moment, it must at least be recognized that this recent opinion poll by Arab Barometer, published by BBC News Arabic on Monday, June 24, 2019, allows for worrying observations that will no doubt have to be taken into account.

According to Le Monde, the survey first highlights a "clear increase" in the proportion of people describing themselves as "non-religious" in the Arab world. They represented 11% of the population in the 2012-2014 period, compared to 18% this year. The media recalls that this survey, which is conducted among 25,000 people in the majority of Arab countries - except for the oil monarchies such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates -, also highlights a decline in confidence in the various party leaders in religion.

The same survey also looked at the perception of the main world leaders, in particular the American President, Donald Trump, the Russian Head of State, Vladimir Putin, and the Turk, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In Morocco, the latter collects more than 50% of favorable opinions, when the Kremlin boss comes out with just over 25%. On the other hand, Morocco is the only country in the poll where Donald Trump’s popularity rating is 0%, the same source points out.

Furthermore, this survey states that a large majority of respondents seem to be in favor of strengthening female representation in the executive bodies of states. "Morocco even approaches 75% of favorable opinions, ranking behind Lebanon, but ahead of Tunisia, Iraq and Egypt.

As for the youth of the Arab world, the survey shows that they still have their eyes riveted on Europe. Indeed, 52% of 18 to 29 year olds surveyed in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia say they want to leave their country. In Morocco, in particular, 70% of respondents plan to emigrate, the same source reports.