During the past two years some of the most contentious conversations I have been part of, on both sides of the Atlantic, have been over Israel. But the tone of those discussions was very different. In Europe public opinion has long soured on Israel because of the horrors of the war in Gaza. Even long-standing supporters of the Jewish state have become frustrated and appalled. In America, Israel’s closest protector and ally, there was a clear contrast. Not only has the Trump administration offered seemingly unconditional support, the tenor of conversations with politicians or foreign-policy wonks was generally much more pro-Israel than any I was part of in Europe.
That is changing. On recent trips to America I have heard far more overt criticism of Israel’s policies and growing concern that public support for Israel among ordinary Americans (and in particular young ones) is eroding fast. Our cover looks in detail at whether this is the case. The answer is striking and sobering.
Our polling shows the mood is shifting sharply in America, not just among Democrats but also Republicans. A recent YouGov/Economist poll finds that 43% of Americans believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. In the past three years unfavourable views of Israel among Democrats over 50 rose by 23 percentage points. Among Republicans under 50, support is evenly divided, compared with 63% for Israel in 2022. If this loss of popular American support continues it will be catastrophic for a small country of 10m people in a hostile neighbourhood. Right now America is all that stands between Israel and pariah status. Optimists will call all of this scaremongering. We believe that view is dangerously complacent.
Our cover in Asia looks at the extraordinary transformation of the world’s biggest workforce. China’s farm labourers and industrial proletariat have been joined by an army of 200m gig workers. The fortunes of these precarious workers, many of whom struggle to buy property and gain access to public services and benefits, will shape China’s economy and society for years to come and, as our leader explains, offer lessons for countries everywhere. I am also pleased to report that, after a hiatus of more than a year, our Chaguan column has returned. Simon Rabinovitch will be writing from Beijing about all things China, weaving together elite politics and popular culture with business and economics. Read his first column. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment