Melnikov, NikitaLudwig, Johannes2025-08-272025-06-172025-05-20http://hdl.handle.net/10362/186966This study examines how the Syrian refugee crisis has shaped public attitudes across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Through the combined work of the Field Lab, we analyze Political and Economic attitudes (Johannes Ludwig’s contribution) and Social and Religious attitudes (Bianca Illing’s contribution) in MENA. Using Arab Barometer and UNHCR data (2010–2023), we analyze public opinion in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and Tunisia. A gravity-style shift-share IV strategy shows that refugee exposure increases trust in government, economic optimism, and social cohesion, while also reinforcing conservative religious views. Effects are strongest among Muslim respondents, highlighting cultural proximity as a key driver of opinion and extending Intergroup Contact Theory beyond Western contexts. These findings advance the understanding of key drivers in shaping public responses to migration in developing regions.engArab barometerUNHCRSyrian immigrationPublic opinionInstitutional trustReligion-based attitudesContact theoryShift-share instrumentMENA regionmaster thesis203989694