Russians Support Protests, Political Freedoms, and Putin, Too
A Pew Global attitudes report finds a majority of Russians support political freedoms and public protests that followed a December 2011 parliamentary vote. But a majority also hold a high opinion of Vladimir Putin.
Public Yawns at European Economic Woes
The European debt crisis has attracted minimal interest or concern among the U.S. public, despite warnings from economists that Europe’s problems may threaten this country’s fragile recovery.
An ‘Iron Hand’ Is No Substitute For Democracy
The experience of the former Soviet Union’s struggles to make the transition to a more open society holds an important lesson for the Middle East, a region in which the democratic tide still swells despite panicked opposition from some and the efforts of others to regulate its tempo.
Confidence in Democracy and Capitalism Wanes in Former Soviet Union
Two decades after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russians, Ukrainians, and Lithuanians are unhappy with the direction of their countries and disillusioned with the state of their politics. Enthusiasm for democracy and capitalism has waned considerably and most believe the changes that have taken place have had a negative impact on many aspects of public life.
The American-Western European Values Gap
Americans’ values differ significantly from those of their Western Europeans counterparts. Although this gap is long-standing, current polling shows Americans coming closer to Europeans in not seeing their culture as superior to others.
Muslim Networks and Movements in Western Europe
Scholars discuss the purpose and findings of a major study that examines several of the oldest, largest and most influential Muslim groups operating in Western Europe today many of which are virtually unknown to non-Muslims.
Muslim Networks and Movements in Western Europe
The Muslim population in Western Europe has grown from less than 10 million in 1990 to approximately 17 million. A new report profiles some of the oldest, largest and most influential religious networks and movements affecting Islamic relations in Europe.
Widespread Support for Banning Full Islamic Veil in Western Europe
The French public overwhelmingly endorses a ban on full Islamic veils in public places, and majorities in other Western European nations surveyed would also welcome such a ban in their countries. In contrast, most Americans would oppose prohibiting Muslim women from wearing full veils in public.
Czechs’ Commitment to Free Markets and Democracy Stays Strong Amidst Troubled Economic and Political Waters
Despite broad dissatisfaction with their country’s current economy and direction, Czechs’ enthusiasm for free markets and open elections has remained strong.
Hungary Dissatisfied with Democracy, but Not its Ideals
Hungarians, who once pioneered the transition away from communism, are not turning their backs on democracy. Instead, they are frustrated by the fact that democracy has yet to fully flourish in their country.
