Patrick Basham - Founding Director, Democracy Institute

In a discussion about global perspectives, the Democracy Institute, led by Patrick Basham, focuses on understanding public opinion on various issues, including foreign policy and elections1. They emphasize the importance of engaging with ordinary people to understand their priorities and perceptions of the future. Recently, there has been a shift in topics of interest, with immigration and the economy becoming more prominent. The average American views Saudi Arabia as more progressive and economically open, contrasting with the more negative perception held by American leadership. This perception is driven by Saudi Arabia's efforts to be more globally engaged and its youthful society. The discussion also touches on the reliability of polls, highlighting biases in media-sponsored polls and the importance of private campaign polls for accuracy. The key takeaway is the need for open, respectful dialogue on important global issues.