Gilani’s Gallopedia© Gallopedia From Gilani Research Foundation August 2023, Issue # 806-809* Compiled on a weekly basis since January 2007
Gilani’s Gallopedia is a weekly Digest of Opinions in a globalized world
This issue scores 50 out of 100 on Gilani-Gallopedia's Globality Index, showing coverage of world population, and 62 out of 100 on the world income (prosperity) Index. Click for Details
Contact Details: Natasha Amir Research Executive, Gallup Pakistan Email: natasha@galluppakistan.com This WEEKLY REPORT consists of 32 national & multi-country surveys, 10 polling organizations have been represented. Asia And MENA: Turkey (Environment), Pakistan (Media, Elections) – 03 national polls Africa: Nigeria (National Trust), South Africa (Defense), Liberia (Gender Issues) – 03 national polls Euro Americas: UK(Immigration, International Organizations, Environment, Performance Ratings, Sports, Environment, Education, Environment) Germany (Sports), Ireland (Consumer Confidence), USA (Education, Employment Issues, Health, Lifestyle, Employment Issues, Nuclear Issues, Ethnicity, National Image), Canada (Environment, Environment), Australia (Media, Inflation, Consumer Confidence) – 23 national polls	Multi-Country Studies: Ipsos Global – 29 Countries (Social Problems ) Ipsos Global – 30 Countries (Lifestyle ) Ipsos Global – 29 Countries (Social Problems) Topic of the Week: As South Africa Looks To Russia, How Do Citizens See Influence Of Foreign Powers Gilani-Gallopedia Globality Index
ASIA AND MENA Regions
806-809-01 4 Out Of 3 People Argue That The Types Of Plastic That Cannot Be Recycled Should Be Banned (Click for Details) (Turkey) The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2022, which stipulates that an internationally binding agreement aimed at eliminating the world's plastic pollution will be opened for signature by the end of 2024 and the establishment of the INC. In Turkey about half of individuals think that all types of plastic are recyclable, one in 3 individuals does not currently have a regular recycling/recycling behavior. (Ipsos Turkey) 31 July 2023 4.14 Society » Environment (Top)
806-809-02 In The Last 14 Years (2009-2023), The Opinion That The Pakistani Media Is Negatively Affecting People Has Increased By 20% (Click for Details) (Pakistan) In 2023, 43% were of the opinion that media is negatively affecting people, 46% said it is presenting reality and facts, while 10% said they did not know. Trend Analysis: The proportion of people who are of the opinion that the Pakistani media is negatively affecting people has increased by 20% since 2009, while those who believe it to be presenting reality and facts has decreased by 15%. (Gallup Pakistan) 04 August 2023 4.6 Society » Media (Top)
806-809-03 Gallup Pakistan Electoral Repository (Click for Details) (Pakistan) The database of the past 11 elections has been consolidated from the Elections Commission of Pakistan (ECP) data by Gallup Pakistan’s Data Analytics team and analyzed over the past many years. The turnout in 2018 general elections was 51%; only half of Pakistan’s voter base came out to cast their votes. In 2018, turnout was highest in Punjab (56.8%) and lowest in KP (41.5%). Voter turnout in Balochistan was marginally higher than in KP. (Gallup Pakistan) 21 August 2023 1.1 Domestic Politics » Elections (Top)
AFRICA Regions
806-809-04 63% Of Nigerian Youth Willing To Relocate Abroad (Click for Details) (Nigeria) A new public opinion poll conducted by NOIPolls has revealed that 63 percent of adult Nigerians nationwide disclosed they are willing to relocate to other countries if given an opportunity. Interestingly, more youths, respondents within the age bracket 18 – 35 years (73 percent), formed the largest group with a willingness to migrate. In addition, findings revealed the search for greener pasture (60 percent) is the major drive for migration, followed by education (32 percent). (NOI Polls) 22 August 2023 1.5 Domestic Politics » National Trust (Top)
806-809-05 As South Africa Looks To Russia, How Do Citizens See Influence Of Foreign Powers (Click for Details) (South Africa) Positive perceptions of foreign influence have decreased since 2021, including a 16- percentage-point drop for the United States. Still, positive outnumber negative perceptions by roughly 2-to-1 regarding the economic and political influence of China (37% positive vs. 20%), the United States (32% vs. 15%), and the EU (20% vs. 14%). o Assessments of Russian influence are almost equally negative (22%) and positive (25%). ANC supporters are no more likely than adherents of other political parties to see Russia’s influence as positive. (Afrobarometer) 22 August 2023 2.10 Foreign Affairs & Security » Defense (Top)
806-809-06 Gender-Based Violence Tops Women’s-Rights Issues In Liberia; Citizens Say It Is A Criminal Matter (Click for Details) (Liberia) Liberians rank gender-based violence (GBV) as the most important women’s-rights issue that the government and society must address. Citizens are evenly divided on how often GBV occurs in their community: Half (50%) say violence against women and girls is “somewhat” or “very” common, while just as many disagree. A majority (56%) of Liberians say it is “never” justified for a man to use physical force to discipline his wife. But more than four in 10 (44%) think it is “sometimes” or “always” justified. (Afrobarometer) 25 August 2023 4.5 Society » Gender Issues (Top)
EURO-AMERICA Regions
● EUROPE
806-809-07 More Than Eight In Ten Britons Believe The Government Is Handling Immigration Badly (Click for Details) (UK) Despite Rishi Sunak declaring that his ‘stop the boats’ plan is working, Britons remain unconvinced. Just one in eleven (9%) have confidence that the government will reduce the number of asylum seekers crossing the channel on small boats, including only 1% who feel “very” confident. Eight in ten are either not very confident (34%), or not at all confident (46%) that the government will be successful. This includes 80% of 2019 Conservative voters and 85% of 2019 Labour voters. (YouGov UK) 08 August 2023 4.8 Society » Immigration (Top)
806-809-08 By 46% To 36%, Britons Say There Should Be Another EU Referendum In The Next Ten Years (Click for Details) (UK) While ‘Bregret’ is rife, there is not an immediate appetite amongst Britons to reverse the decision. Just 26% would say there should referendum on the matter before the end of 2023, with 59% saying there should not be. However, appetite rises to 39% when asked whether there should be a referendum in the next five years, although 44% still say there should not. When it comes to within the next 10 years, the plurality view becomes that there should be a new EU referendum, with 46% saying there should be compared to 36% saying there should not. (YouGov UK) 14 August 2023 2.8 Foreign Affairs & Security » International Organizations (Top)
806-809-09 To What Extent Do Britons Think Human Activity Is Responsible For Climate Change (Click for Details) (UK) Asked first whether or not they think the climate is changing, 87% of Britons say they believe it is. Only 7% say it is not, a slightly higher rate than we get with the compound question on the website tracker (generally 2-4%). A further 6% are unsure, a lower rate than the website tracker tends to generate (normally between 10-13%).Overall, 25% of Britons think the human race is “entirely or almost entirely responsible” for the changing climate. They are joined by a further 32% who think human activity is responsible for “a large majority” of the change. (YouGov UK) 18 August 2023 4.14 Society » Environment (Top)
806-809-10 Khan Net Favourability At -12 In London, While Susan Hall Is Still Unknown To Moste (Click for Details) (UK) A new YouGov survey of Londoners finds that Sadiq Khan’s net popularity stands at -12, with 40% having a favourable view of the mayor and 52% an unfavourable one.Among those who voted for Labour nationally in 2019, 62% have a favourable view of Khan, compared to 33% with an unfavourable view.New Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall is still unknown to most Londoners (57%). One in five have a positive view of her, while 21% have a negative view.Among 2019 Conservative voters, Hall is seen favourably by 49% and unfavourably by 9%. (YouGov UK) 22 August 2023 1.2 Domestic Politics » Performance Ratings (Top)
806-809-11 One In Three In England Are Interested In Women’s Football Following 2023 World Cup (Click for Details) (UK) A YouGov study conducted during the group stages of the tournament found that 21% of English people said they were “very interested” or “fairly interested” in women’s football. That figure grew as England advanced through the knockout stages, and immediately after the tournament stands at 34% - a 13 point increase.Among those who express an interest in football in general, interest in women’s football specifically has likewise increased from 51% to 65%.Interest in women’s football among English women now stands at 30% (up from 19%) and among English men it is 38% (up from 23%). (YouGov UK) 23 August 2023 4.15 Society » Sports (Top)
806-809-12 Public Importance Of Climate Change And The Environment Doubles To Become The Joint-Third Biggest Issue Facing The Country (Click for Details) (UK) Amid news headlines about extreme temperatures and wildfires experienced across Europe and the world, the proportion of Britons who say they are concerned about climate change and the environment has risen thirteen points since last month, and stands at the highest level since the COP26 conference in Glasgow in November 2021. It is mentioned by a quarter (25%) of Britons ranking it alongside the NHS, which itself has seen a drop of eight percentage points since July. (Ipsos MORI) 15 August 2023 4.14 Society » Environment (Top)
806-809-13 Fees And Student Debt Are Main Reasons That Quarter Of Brits Don’t Think It’s Worth Going To University (Click for Details) (UK) Research from Ipsos finds that a quarter (25%) of Britons, don’t think going to university is worth it for young people. The main reasons for this are fees (49%) and student loan debt (42%), but there is also a strength of feeling that people don’t need to go to university to get a good job (37%).Nearly three quarters (73%) of the public site people from poorer backgrounds being put off university because of the cost as a concern and a similar proportion (72%) say students having high levels of financial debt is also a concern. (Ipsos MORI) 17 August 2023 4.10 Society » Education (Top)
806-809-14 Brits Want To Fight Climate Change, But A Third Of Consumers Unaware Of How To Make Homes Greener (Click for Details) (UK) British consumers are taking responsibility for reducing the impact of climate change - with 76% believing they have a responsibility to cut carbon impact and help get to Net Zero. But over a third (34%) of British adults still aren’t aware of the most environmentally friendly way to heat their homes, despite the government’s ambitious goal of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 - according to new research from Mitsubishi Electric and Ipsos.80% of domestic heating comes from gas. To combat this, the UK government is driving a move to lower carbon alternatives, including heat pumps, through programmes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. (Ipsos MORI) 23 August 2023 4.14 Society » Environment (Top)
806-809-15 Environmentally Conscious Gamers: Action Games And Sustainable Electronics (Click for Details) (Germany) A new YouGov audience analysis on the topic of "environmentally conscious gamers". Environmentally conscious gamers are more likely to be men (70 percent) aged 25 to 34 (31 vs. 15 percent of the total population). This target group is increasingly active in the IT sector (11 percent) and more than a fifth (22 percent) have a migration background. The group is career-focused: 38 percent are willing to sacrifice their free time to advance in their careers (vs. 32 percent of the total population). (YouGov Germany) 03 August 2023 4.15 Society » Sports (Top)
806-809-16 Almost One-In-Five (18%) Consumers Expect The Irish Economy To Improve In The Next Six Months (Click for Details) (Ireland) Almost one-in-five (18%) consumers expect the Irish economy to improve in the next six months, up from just one-in-twenty (5%) 12 months ago. But while some are that bit more optimistic about the future for the economy, more than half (52%) believe things will actually get worse over the next six months (this is down from more than four-in-five 12 months ago).Despite the moderation in inflation over the past year, four-out-of-five (80%) are expecting a further deterioration in the cost-of-living in the next six months. (REDC Research) 15 August 2023 3.2 Economy » Consumer Confidence (Top)
● NORTH AMERICA
806-809-17 College Students Experience High Levels Of Worry And Stress (Click for Details) (USA) During the spring 2023 semester, 76% of U.S. college students reported experiencing enjoyment during much of the prior day. However, majorities also said they felt stress (66%) and worry (51%). In addition, 39% said they endured loneliness and 36% sadness the previous day.Approximately three-quarters of female students (72%) report experiencing stress a lot of the prior day, compared with 56% of male students. Likewise, 56% of female students report experiencing worry the prior day, compared with 40% of their male peers. (Gallup) 10 August 2023 4.10 Society » Education (Top)
806-809-18 Four In 10 College Students Have Had Internship Experience (Click for Details) (USA) Reports of internship participation are lower among first-generation college students whose parents have not completed a degree (27%) and among students enrolled at public colleges and universities (36%) compared with their counterparts. At the same time, internship rates are similar among different demographic subgroups of the currently enrolled student population, with higher rates among Hispanic, White and male students. (Gallup) 16 August 2023 3.3 Economy » Employment Issues (Top)
806-809-19 U.S. Cigarette Smoking Rate Steady Near Historical Low (Click for Details) (USA) Gallup’s latest update on cigarette smoking finds 12% of U.S. adults saying they smoked cigarettes in the past week, similar to the 11% measured a year ago but significantly lower than any other year in Gallup’s nearly 80-year trend.A major reason for the decline in smoking is that fewer young adults today than in prior decades are smoking cigarettes. Typically, young adults had much higher smoking rates than other age groups. Whereas 35% of young adults said they smoked cigarettes in 2001-2003, the figure has dropped to 10% in 2019-2023 data. (Gallup) 18 August 2023 4.11 Society » Health (Top)
806-809-20 In U.S., 4% Identify As Vegetarian, 1% As Vegan (Click for Details) (USA) The July 3-27 poll update suggests there may have been a slight decline in vegetarianism compared with the earliest readings in 1999 and 2001, when 6% identified that way. There is a small degree of overlap in identification as vegetarian and vegan, as less than 1% of U.S. adults say they are both vegetarian and vegan. That is about what Gallup has found historically, but most vegetarians and vegans identify as only one or the other. Liberals, Low-Income Adults More Likely to Follow Vegetarian Diet. (PEW) AUGUST 27, 2023 4.7 Society » Lifestyle (Top)
806-809-21 More Than 4 In 10 U.S. Workers Don’t Take All Their Paid Time Off (Click for Details) (USA) Upper-income workers are more likely than middle- and lower-income workers to say they take off less time than offered. About half of upper-income workers (51%) say this, compared with 45% of middle-income workers and 41% of lower-income workers.There are also differences by education level. About half of workers who have a bachelor’s degree or more education (51%) say they take less time off than what is offered, compared with 41% of workers with less education. (Gallup) 24 August 2023 3.3 Economy » Employment Issues (Top)
806-809-22 Growing Share Of Americans Favor More Nuclear Power (Click for Details) (USA) A majority of Americans (57%) say they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity in the country, up from 43% who said this in 2020.Americans are still far more likely to say they favor more solar power (82%) and wind power (75%) than nuclear power. All three energy sources emit no carbon.Support for nuclear power has increased among both parties since 2020. Half of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents now say they favor expanding nuclear power, an increase from 37% in 2020. And two-thirds of Republicans and Republican leaners now favor more nuclear power, up 14 percentage points since 2020. (PEW) 18 August 2023 3.10 Economy » Nuclear Issues (Top)
806-809-23 Americans Are Divided On Whether Society Overlooks Racial Discrimination Or Sees It Where It Doesn’t Exist (Click for Details) (USA) 53% say people not seeing racial discrimination where it really does exist is the bigger problem. 45% point to people seeing racial discrimination where it really doesn’t exist as the larger issue. Views on this have changed in recent years, according to Pew Research Center surveys. In 2019, 57% said people overlooking racial discrimination was the bigger problem, while 42% pointed to people seeing it where it really didn’t exist. That gap has narrowed from 15 to 8 percentage points. (PEW) 25 August 2023 4.3 Society » Ethnicity (Top)
806-809-24 Majority Of Americans Say U.S. Is One Of The Greatest Countries In The World (Click for Details) (USA) Today, two-in-ten Americans say the U.S. “stands above all other countries in the world.” About half (52%) say the U.S. is “one of the greatest countries, along with some others,” while 27% say “there are other countries that are better than the U.S.”Opinions about the nation’s global standing have changed slightly since 2019. That year, 24% said the U.S. is the single greatest nation, 55% said it is one of the best countries, and 21% said other countries are better than the U.S. (PEW) 29 August 2023 1.5 Domestic Politics » National Image (Top)
806-809-25 Another Six In Ten (61%) Can’t Or Don’t Want To Pay More In Taxes To Fight Climate Change (Click for Details) (Canada) An Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of the Montreal Economic Institute finds that despite the fact that many Canadians can’t or don’t want to pay more taxes to help fight the climate change, they are generally in favour of the government increasing carbon sequestration incentive measures to reduce GHG emissions and two-thirds (67%) also support developing new oil and gas infrastructure leading to ports in British Columbia or Eastern Canada in order to allow these Canadian resources to reach new markets in Europe and Asia. This is particularly true for Alberta residents (86%). (Ipsos Canada) 22 August 2023 4.14 Society » Environment (Top)
806-809-26 Majority Say Climate Change Is ‘crisis’ That Needs Immediate Action; 10 Per Cent Say It’s Hopeless (Click for Details) (Canada) A new study from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds more than half of Canadians (55%) expecting even worse fire conditions in the future, while one-quarter (26%) say this year (a record-breaking year for fires itself) will be the new normal. Few have any hope for calmer summers to come.For those affected by wildfires or smoke in the past five years, one-in-eight (13%) say they would consider relocating to a place that feels safer. Young adults say this is on their mind at higher rates (24%) than others as they consider where to set down roots and build their lives. Climate migration in Canada may be a new concept, but this research suggests it is on the minds of many. (Angus Reid Institute) 22 August 2023 4.14 Society » Environment (Top)
● AUSTRALIA
806-809-27 Readership Of Magazines Is Up 4.1% From A Year Ago With Increases In Readership For All Magazine Categories (Click for Details) (Australia) Now 11.5 million Australians aged 14+ (53.1%) read print magazines, up 4.1 per cent on a year ago, according to the results released today from the Roy Morgan Australian Readership report for the 12 months to June 2023.This market broadens to 15 million Australians aged 14+ (69.5%) who read magazines in print or online either via the web or an app, a small drop of 1.8 per cent from a year ago. These are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan Single Source survey of 66,234 Australians aged 14+ in the 12 months to June 2023. (Roy Morgan) 22 August 2023 4.6 Society » Media (Top)
806-809-28 A Record High 1.5 Million Australians Are Now ‘at Risk’ Of ‘mortgage Stress’ Representing 29.2% Of Mortgage Holders (Click for Details) (Australia) New research from Roy Morgan shows a record high 1.5 million (29.2%) mortgage holders were ‘At Risk’ of ‘mortgage stress’ in the three months to July 2023. This period encompassed two interest rate increases of 0.25% taking official interest rates to 4.1% in June.Although the number of Australians at risk of mortgage stress (1,496,000) is at a record high the proportion of 29.2% remains below the record highs reached during the Global Financial Crisis of 10-15 years ago. (Roy Morgan) 28 August 2023 3.4 Economy » Inflation (Top)
806-809-29 Super Fund Satisfaction Drops To 65% In July 2023 – Down 7% Points From Record High 18 Months Ago In January 2022 (Click for Details) (Australia) New data from Roy Morgan’s Superannuation Satisfaction Report shows an overall super fund satisfaction rating of 65% in July 2023 – a decrease of 7% points from the record high reached one-and-a-half years ago in January 2022 (72.0%). Despite the decrease over the last year and a half superannuation satisfaction is still significantly higher than the long-term average of 58.1% from 2007-2023 and also higher than at any time prior to the pandemic years of 2021-22 when the measure was at record highs. (Roy Morgan) 29 August 2023 3.2 Economy » Consumer Confidence (Top)
● MULTICOUNTRY STUDIES
806-809-30 Global Views On Abortion; A Majority Across 29 Countries Believe Abortion Should Be Legal In At Least Most Cases (Click for Details) More than one in two (56%) across 29 countries believe abortion should be legal, including more than one in four (27%) who feel it should be legal in all cases.Support for abortion is highest in Europe, with Sweden and France having the highest level of sentiment in believing abortion should be legal (87% and 82% respectively).Support is lowest in Asia, with Indonesia and Malaysia the only countries where less than one in three think abortion should be legal (22% and 29% respectively). (Ipsos Global) 22 August 2023 4.13 Society » Social Problems (Top)
806-809-31 Data Dive: Gen X Myths Vs. Realities, A Survey Across 30 Nations (Click for Details) A quarter (25%, on average across 29 countries) of Gen Xers are worried life will be worse for young men today than it was for men from their parents’ generation (compared to 27% of Boomers, 24% of Millennials and 20% of Gen Zers who say the same). A slightly lower proportion of Gen Xers (20%, vs. 21% of Boomers, 19% of Millennials and 17% of Gen Zers) think life will be worse for young women today than it was for women from their parents’ generation. (Ipsos Global) 23 August 2023 4.7 Society » Lifestyle (Top)
806-809-32 What Worries The World - August 2023, A Survey Across 29 Countries (Click for Details) Inflation is still the highest concern this month. But this month sees a further easing of 1pp to 37%. This month’s level of inflation worry is the lowest it’s been this year and the lowest score since June 2022. 12 nations – Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Poland, Singapore, USA, and Turkey – have rising prices as their biggest concern. Two more than last month. Across all countries, worry about inflation is followed by poverty & social inequality (31%, +1pp), crime & violence (30%, -1pp), unemployment (27%, +1pp), and financial & political corruption (27%, +1pp) which together make up the top five global worries. (Ipsos Global) 24 August 2023 4.13 Society » Social Problems (Top)
TOPIC OF THE WEEK As South Africa Looks To Russia, How Do Citizens See Influence Of Foreign Powers ►This page is devoted to opinions of countries whose polling activity is generally not known very widely or where a recent topical issue requires special attention.
As South Africa Looks To Russia, How Do Citizens See Influence Of Foreign Powers Key findings More than four in 10 South Africans (43%) say China’s economic activities have “a lot” of influence on the country’s economy. o About three in 10 (31%) say they “don’t know” enough to assess China’s economic influence. Positive perceptions of foreign influence have decreased since 2021, including a 16- percentage-point drop for the United States. Still, positive outnumber negative perceptions by roughly 2-to-1 regarding the economic and political influence of China (37% positive vs. 20%), the United States (32% vs. 15%), and the EU (20% vs. 14%). o Assessments of Russian influence are almost equally negative (22%) and positive (25%). ANC supporters are no more likely than adherents of other political parties to see Russia’s influence as positive. Adherents of the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are most likely to see China’s influence as positive, while Democratic Alliance (DA) supporters favour U.S. influence. o Large shares of citizens say they “don’t know” enough to assess the influence of foreign powers, especially the EU. Chinese economic activity in South Africa Understanding the influence of South Africa’s largest trading partner on the domestic economy is critical. When asked how much influence China’s economic activities have on their country’s economy, 43% of South Africans say “a lot,” 13% “some,” and 12% “a little” or “none” (Figure 1). Importantly, 31% of South Africans do not feel confident enough to share an opinion, suggesting either a lack of interest or inadequate domestic media coverage of developments in Chinese economic activity in South Africa. Among those who say they “don’t know” about Chinese influence on the South African economy, some clear demographic trends emerge (Figure 2). Economically better-off citizens are less likely to fall in this category (22%) than those experiencing some level of “lived poverty”1) (32%-35%). And more than half (53%) of citizens with primary schooling or less say they “don’t know,” compared to 32% and 20%, respectively, of those with secondary or post-secondary education. While urban and rural residents are about equally likely to say they have not heard enough on this topic, there is significant inter-provincial variation, ranging from 16% in KwaZulu-Natal to 49% in the Northern Cape. Interestingly, respondents who say they get news “every day” from newspapers are less likely to feel uninformed on Chinese economic influence on South Africa (21%) than those who get daily news from television, social media, the Internet, and radio (27%-30%). Foreign influence in South Africa China’s economic and political influence on South Africa is viewed as positive by 37% of respondents, exceeding positive perceptions of the influence of the United States (32%) and Russia (25%) Figure 3). But positive perceptions of foreign influence declined between 2021 and 2022 – sharply so in the case of the United States (by 16 percentage points) and marginally for China (3 points). Despite the government’s drift toward the Russian orbit, citizens’ positive opinions on Russian influence declined as well, by 5 points. Further unpacking the latest perceptions, Figure 4 shows that South Africans’ divided perceptions of foreign influence mirror global and regional dynamics that are shifting toward a multipolar world order not solely dominated by influence from the traditional “West.” While the EU’s influence is seen as positive by 20% of South Africans, it is also viewed as negative by 14%. Russia’s and China’s influence draw the largest shares of negative perceptions (22% and 20%, respectively). The figure also shows the large proportions of South Africans who say they “don’t know” enough to answer the question, highlighting a widespread lack of interest or of accessible information on the activities of foreign powers in South Africa. This ranges from 33% on China – almost equal to those who hold positive perceptions of Chinese influence – to more than half (52%) on the EU. Does the foreign engagement of the ruling party align with voter preferences? Figure 5 further breaks down perceptions of foreign influence among supporters of various political parties. Among respondents who say they “feel close to” the ruling ANC, negative perceptions of Russian influence (20%) almost match positive ones (24%), while Chinese influence is most likely to be seen as positive (33%, vs. 19% negative). However, large portions of ANC supporters say they “don’t know” enough about these issues to have an opinion, ranging up to 50% for Russia and 60% for the EU. Supporters of the two leading opposition parties, the EFF and the DA, are less likely to say they “don’t know” enough about foreign influence. Despite the EFF’s dominant anti-colonial narratives, the same proportion of its supporters see Russian and EU influence as positive (24%), and greater shares welcome the influence of China (39%) and the United States (32%). One in three EFF supporters (33%) perceive Russian influence as negative – the largest share of negative perceptions across political parties and foreign actors. Again, citizens seem to know least about the influence of the EU (41%). Nearly half (47%) of DA supporters perceive U.S. influence as positive, followed by Chinese influence (40%). As with ANC and EFF adherents, DA supporters are most likely to perceive Russian influence negatively (25%), and again the EU’s influence is least known (40%). Conclusion South Africans’ perceptions of foreign powers such as China, the United States, and Russia have tilted away from positivity since the previous round of Afrobarometer surveys. The ANC’s drift toward Russia is not reflected in public opinion, as negative perceptions nearly match positive views of Russian influence, including among the ANC’s voter base. On the other hand, popular perceptions of Chinese and U.S. influence, despite declines compared to 2021, are more positive than negative, reflective also of South Africa’s economic ties to these nations. Large portions of society say they have not heard enough to have an opinion on foreign influence, an important finding at a time of flux in global power relations and in a country relatively open to foreign influence. One in three South Africans are in the dark about the impact of Chinese economic activity in South Africa, despite China’s emergence as a key economic partner. Similarly, the EU contributes to large inflows of investment and aid, yet South Africans know least about EU influence in their country. To take public opinion into account in the alignment of international partnerships, foreign policy debates in South Africa will need to reach and engage wider audiences with a concerted effort from television and radio news broadcasters. (Afrobarometer) 22 August 2023 Source:https://www.afrobarometer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AD690-How-do-South-Africans-see-influence-of-foreign-powers-Afrobarometer-21aug23.pdf (Top)
GILANI-GALLOPEDIA GLOBALITY INDEX: ► The purpose of this index is to treat the Global Coverage by each issue of Gallopedia in terms of Population, National Income and estimated Power measured by G20 Membership.
● GILANI-GALLOPEDIA GLOBALITY INDEX (Top)
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