Political Mental Map Seen in the Results of Public Opinion Surveys in Arab Countries: Comparison of the Syrian and Egyptian Peoples

This chapter compares the political mental maps of the Syrian and Egyptian peoples using public opinion surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008. It aims to understand how changes in US foreign policy under President Barack Obama and the multipolar competition in the Arab world influence public perceptions. The analysis uses data from the “National Public Opinion Survey in the Syrian Arab Republic” and “Social Research on the Orientation of Society Members” in Egypt. Findings reveal that both Syrian and Egyptian citizens highly value their own country’s contributions to regional stability while showing strong anti-Israel sentiment. However, the Syrian political mental map reflects pragmatic awareness of regional realities and alliances, contrasting with the Egyptian map’s emphasis on Arabism and ideological stances. This divergence highlights the complex interplay between ideology and political reality in shaping public opinion in authoritarian regimes.