And then there’s Nigeria. Is Nigeria just the happiest place in the world, or what? It’s always an outlier in these polls, and this one is no different. Nigerians have a more positive view than the world average of every single country in the poll. They like everyone! Except Venezuela. Why are they so sunny in their outlook about everyone except Venezuela? ~Kevin Drum

I generally share Drum’s amazement at the Nigerians’ belief (40%) in the positive role that North Korea has in the world compared to the mere 28% who believe it has a negative role, but I imagine the problem many Nigerians might have with Venezuela is that it represents a major competitor in oil production.  They also have pretty negative views of Iran (48% neg/31% pos), albeit below the world average, but unusually positive views of Israel (45% pos/31% neg).  They love us (they are more positive about the U.S. role in the world than Americans are) and the Japanese, perhaps because we and the Japanese buy their oil?  Could we really explain the attitudes of an entire country towards other nations solely based on the economics of one of their major exports?  We could try, but that would not explain Nigerian ambivalence about India (43% pos/33% neg).  It also doesn’t work when the Kenyans are just as enthusiastic about everyone and just as down on the Venezuelans.  Apparently the Bolivarian revolution doesn’t translate well in Africa.  Actually, everybody except about half of Lebanon seems to be down on Venezuela (especially the Hungarians!).  Maybe Rick Santorum should go on an international speaking tour.  Actually, what the poll shows is that most people in these countries have no views of Venezuela one way or the other, but most of those who do have an opinion tend to view Venezuela negatively. 

It’s tough out there for a Chavista.