Climate change, war, immigration and Russia are the biggest concerns of Spaniards in that order.. This comes from the ‘Transatlantic Trends 2022’ report, which was conducted in 14 countries between June and July of this year and focuses on international politics and transatlantic relations.
The invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing geopolitical turmoil caused a remarkable shift in the concerns of European and North American citizens. Again The climate crisis continues to be among the West’s main concerns.a registered Significant decrease in alert for issues such as pandemics or terrorism. Against this, war and Russia are now two issues that greatly disturb the public..
The study, in which the BBVA Foundation also participated, shows that; Spaniards very worried about climate change (22% rank first among their concerns, compared to 19% of the European average). The second biggest concern in Spain is war. 19% of clients ranked first), slightly ahead migration (19% compared to the average 12% in European countries), while Russia as a whole it concerns 11% of Spaniards and 19% of Europeans.
The consultation, involving 22,133 people, including 1,500 in Spain, reveals that southern European countries (Italy, 34%; Portugal, 29%; France, 28%; Spain, 22%) and 24% are in Canada. those who prioritize the climate crisis as the main challenge for their countries. At the other extreme, they are more concerned about the war, while the subject is much less addressed in Lithuania, Turkey and Poland.
United States, reliable partner
The United States offers a much more fragmented challenge map, with climate change being mentioned less frequently (14%) than most European countries.
while managing In dealing with Russia, Spaniards are more inclined to do so through the European Union than their continental peers. (48% compared to 36% in the EU average). The same trend is registered when it comes to management. Relations with China: 58% of Spaniards prefer to work through the European Union Compared to 46% in the European average.
Spaniards have a relatively less positive outlook than the rest of Europe. US influence in world affairsalthough it remains positive (56% compared to the European average of 61%). The majority of Hispanics see the United States as a very or fairly reliable partner.Although less than the average of EU countries (62% compared to 69%).
The United States is perceived today, more than any other country, as the world’s most influential actor, but this influence is not considered sustainable: respondents estimate Major geopolitical changes over the next five years will lead to a significant reduction in US influence on global affairs, while China’s will increase..
While there is great support for the US intervention in the security and defense of the Old Continent, Europeans consider the EU to play an important role in national security.
The vast majority of respondents want the US to be involved in defending Europe, with the most significant increases in this regard from 2021 in Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands.
Relations with Russia and China
The interviewees guess Coordination through the EU is the best way to manage relations with China and Russia. Regarding China, most respondents support a tougher approach to Beijing from their countries, especially the French and Spaniards, but In the scenario of the invasion of Taiwan, there is no majority support for sending weapons or troops. to the island.
On another topic, Demand of Finland and Sweden to join NATO, support very high in all surveyed countries except Turkey.
Similar Russia’s global influence is viewed negatively in all countries where consultation took place, with an average of almost three (73%) out of four respondents. In the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal this rate is even higher, around 80%.
Open state of democracy6% of Spaniards think they are excellent, 49% good, 28% bad and 15% in danger. Global average: 9% excellent, 41% good, 25% weak and 20% endangered. While Sweden, Portugal and Canada are the countries where the best democracy is perceived, Poland, Italy and Turkey are at the opposite end.
Reference report: https://www.fbbva.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Informe-Transatlantic-Trends-2022.pdf
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