A note to readers
As an organization commited to studying the world, we engage with issues and trends affecting people around the globe, whether it’s the ubiquity of mobile phones in developing countries, the impact of social networks on politics in a country like Lebanon, or mixed reactions to China’s growing international influence. Our latest reports offer a fuller sense of how we are working to improve public understanding of these diverse subjects and shine a light on the many ways the world continues to change before our eyes.

– James Bell, vice president of global strategy

China’s economic growth mostly welcomed in emerging markets, but neighbors wary of its influence

A new Pew Research Center survey finds that, particularly in emerging markets, publics largely have a positive view of China’s economic stature. But, even while China’s rise is largely perceived as positive in emerging economies, there are pockets of discontent.

Fact Tank: U.S. is seen as a top ally in many countries – but others view it as a threat

2018 Global Attitudes Survey dataset published

Since 2001, Pew Research Center has made the the datasets for our annual Global Attitudes survey publicly available to enable researchers, policymakers, journalists and the public to access and explore the research. The dataset for our 2018 survey of 27 countries is now available for download. 

Protests in Lebanon highlight ubiquity of WhatsApp, dissatisfaction with government

Lebanese protests that were in part prompted by a proposed tax on the use of the messaging platform WhatsApp have since turned into a broader call for rebuilding the nation’s political and economic system. Amid the unrest, here is a closer look at the widespread use of WhatsApp in Lebanon, as well as public unhappiness with the country’s political and economic situation. All findings are based on Pew Research Center surveys surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019.

Mobile divides in emerging economies

As ownership of mobile phones, especially smartphones, spreads rapidly across the globe, there are still notable numbers of people in emerging economies who do not own a mobile phone, or who share one with others. A Pew Research Center survey in 11 emerging economies finds that a median of 6% of adults do not use phones at all, and a median of 7% do not own phones but instead borrow them from others.