AMMAN – The 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, the largest study of its kind, was recently released, unveiling significant shifts in geopolitical allegiances among the Arab youth.
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The survey findings reveal that the region's young population considers Turkey and China as stronger allies for their countries compared to traditional powers like the US and Russia, AlArabiya reported.
According to the survey, Arab youth across 53 cities in the region, totaling over 200 million, perceive Turkey and China as more influential allies than the US and Russia.
While a third of young Arabs (33 percent) still view the US as the most influential country in the Arab world, only 3 percent named Turkey and 4 percent identified China. This highlights the changing dynamics of global power in the region.
Desire for US disengagement
Interestingly, despite recognizing the US as the most influential country, a majority of Arab youth express a desire for the US to be less involved in Middle Eastern affairs.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents across the GCC, North Africa, and the Levant countries indicated their support for US disengagement from the region. This sentiment underscores the youth's aspirations for a more independent and self-reliant Arab world.
Outlook on global conflicts
Regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, the survey revealed that a slightly higher percentage of respondents (28 percent) believe diplomatic negotiations will lead to a compromise, while 25 percent expect the conflict to continue for a prolonged period with no clear resolution.
This reflects the diverse opinions of Arab youth regarding international conflicts and their potential outcomes.
The ASDA’A BCW agency, in its research titled "My Global Citizenship," delved into various geopolitical issues affecting the Arab world.
This includes the US intervention in the region, its disengagement policy, ongoing conflicts, and the countries Arab youth desire to live in and emulate. The comprehensive survey aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolving perspectives of Arab youth.
Arab youth's preferred nations
For the 12th consecutive year, Arab youth identified the UAE as the country they would most like to live in and the one they aspire their own country to emulate.
The US and Canada secured the second and third positions, respectively, for the third consecutive year. Notably, three GCC nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, made it to the top five for the first time in nine years, showcasing a shift in preferences and aspirations.
Among non-Arab nations, Turkey emerged as a "strong ally" or "somewhat of an ally" for 82 percent of Arab youth, followed closely by China at 80 percent. The UK, Germany, and France were also viewed favorably, with 79 percent, 78 percent, and 74 percent of respondents considering them allies, respectively.
While the US ranked seventh, 72 percent of Arab youth still viewed it as a strong ally. Additionally, two-thirds of respondents (66 percent) believed that the US would be a stronger ally than Russia or China in the next five years.
Qatar gains popularity as an ally
The survey highlighted that the Arab youth consider all GCC countries and Egypt as strong allies. Qatar emerged as the top ally, with 92 percent of respondents considering it as a "strong ally" or "somewhat of an ally".
Kuwait followed closely at 91 percent, while Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia secured 89 percent, 88 percent, and 86 percent, respectively.
ASDA’A BCW commissioned SixthFactor Consulting, a leading research company, to conduct face-to-face interviews with 3,600 Arab citizens aged 18 to 24 across 18 Arab states. This sample size represents the largest in the survey's history and includes interviews with an equal number of men and women in 53 cities.
The survey also expanded its reach to include South Sudan for the first time. The study aims to provide global decision-makers with valuable insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Arab world.
The ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey's comprehensive findings will be disclosed under five additional themes: My Politics, My Livelihood, My Identity, My Aspirations, and My Lifestyle. This year's study is the most extensive in the survey's history, covering topics such as climate change, mental health, and gender rights.
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