A survey of British adults reports significant differences in geopolitical attitudes between Muslim respondents and the wider population during the early phase of the Iran conflict.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A newly released survey of British public opinion has identified notable differences in how Muslim respondents and the general population view major global powers, including the United States, Iran, Russia and China.
The findings come from a survey conducted by JL Partners on behalf of the Policy Exchange think tank. The poll included a nationally representative sample of 2,223 adults across Britain, as well as an additional 1,031 Muslim respondents. Data was collected between March 2 and March 13 during the early stages of the U.S.-Israeli military operation targeting Iran.
Worlds Apart British Muslim Attitudes on the Iran Conflict by yourNEWS Media
According to the survey, 39 percent of Muslim respondents reported a favorable view of Iran’s government, compared to 8 percent among the broader British public. The results also showed differing perceptions of other global powers. Favorable views of Russia were reported by 29 percent of Muslim respondents, compared to 8 percent of the general population, while 38 percent of Muslim respondents expressed favorable views of China, compared to 15 percent among all respondents.
The think tank noted that net favorability ratings among Muslim respondents for both Russia and China were positive, while the general public expressed strongly negative net views toward those countries. Policy Exchange stated that the findings reflect a degree of skepticism among Muslim respondents toward Western geopolitical positions.
The survey also reported that Muslim respondents held more negative views of the United States and Israel than the broader population. Net favorability toward the United States among Muslim respondents was recorded at negative 41, compared to negative 16 among the general population. Views of Israel were also more negative among Muslim respondents, at negative 52, compared to negative 22 overall.
On the issue of Iran, 45 percent of Muslim respondents said they did not view the country as a serious threat prior to the military operation, compared to 14 percent of the wider public. Half of Muslim respondents said the U.S.-Israeli strikes were “definitely wrong,” compared to 17 percent among all respondents.
The poll also found that 40 percent of Muslim respondents believed securing Iran’s oil reserves was a primary objective of the conflict, compared to 15 percent of the general population.
Policy Exchange noted that these views occurred despite demographic distinctions within the Muslim population, including that a majority of Muslims in Britain identify as Sunni, while Iran’s government is Shia. The report suggested that geopolitical considerations may outweigh sectarian differences in shaping opinions.
The think tank stated that the findings could have implications for domestic social cohesion, noting that two in five respondents across the general public believe the conflict has already contributed to worsening ethnic and religious relations in the United Kingdom.
“The degree to which the ongoing Iran conflict will spill over into ethno-religious tensions in modern Britain remains to be seen,” the report said, adding that policymakers face challenges in maintaining social stability amid global geopolitical tensions.
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