Transatlantic Trends (2)

This post will expand on the previous post of the global-thematic Transatlantic Trends report, that the economy and unemployment were two most important issues on people’s mind.  The visualization analyzes how people were affected by the global economic crisis from 2009-2014.

The Greeks, Portuguese, Spaniards, Turkish, and Americans revealed that they were most affected by the economic crisis, whereas for the least affected Swedes & Germans, what crisis?

The Italians and Spaniards thought that the European Union (EU) was not responsive to combating the economic crisis and that the countries affected by the economic crisis were not doing enough to combat the crisis.  In other words, help us!

In every surveyed EU country, majority of people thought that each country should retain their authority over their country’s economic and budgetary policies, with the Greeks, British, & Swedes displayed the strongest feeling about this issue.  In short, dear EU, thanks for your financial help, but no thanks to your authority!

Transatlantic Trends

Happy New Year!  Let’s start 2016 by reviewing the Transatlantic Trends report prepared by the German Marshall Fund of the United States based in Washington D.C.  This global-thematic report is a comprehensive annual survey of American and European public opinion on numerous transatlantic issues, including foreign policies, support for NATO, economic performance, immigration etc.

This preeminent report provides valuable data for policymakers (including the U.S. Department of State), the media, & the academics to look into important issues that affect countries on both sides of the Atlantic.  Here’s the first visualization that analyzes what people from the European Union, US, and Russia think about the important issues that are affecting their lives.  Not surprisingly, the economy and unemployment were two most important issues on people's mind as these issues directly affected their financial well-being.  On the issue whether the UK should leave the European Union, let's just say that there would be no love lost for the French if the UK decides to leave.