Contextualizing Cynicism: Palestinian Public Opinion Towards Human Rights and Democracy

Abstract

Abstract Levels of support for democratic governance and human rights in the Occupied West Bank appear to be inextricably linked. Although definitions of these two concepts are by no means universal, the contexts in which opinions are formed about these notions are significant. What meaning do these concepts have to Palestinians? How are these ideals examined and debated in a society that has remained under occupation for more than half a century? To answer these questions, this article explores the results of an original, representative public opinion survey (n=832) conducted in the West Bank in the summer of 2013, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Oslo Accords. The results point to high levels of cynicism towards human rights and democracy. I argue that the reason for this is directly related to exposure to the Israeli occupation, its policies, and a feeling of disenchantment with humanitarian organizations funded by governments that take no meaningful action to end the occupation.