How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve
We asked over 30,000 people what would help democracy work better in their country. Key themes in their responses were addressing basic needs and improving or rebuilding the political system.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Read our research on:
American Trends Panel Wave 124
Field dates: Mar. 20 – Mar. 26, 2023
Topics: Global Attitudes US Survey 2023
-
-
What Can Improve Democracy?
Amid growing discontent with the state of democracy globally, we asked over 30,000 people what changes would make their democracy work better.
-
Representative Democracy Remains a Popular Ideal, but People Around the World Are Critical of How It’s Working
A 24-country survey finds a median of 59% are dissatisfied with how their democracy is functioning, and 74% think elected officials don’t care what people like them think.
-
Language and Traditions Are Considered Central to National Identity
Across more than 20 countries surveyed, a median of 91% say being able to speak their country’s most common language is important for being considered a true national. And 81% say sharing their country’s customs and traditions is important for true belonging.
-
Attitudes on an Interconnected World
How close do people feel to others around the world? How much do they want their countries involved in international affairs? How do people’s experiences with travel and feelings of international connectedness relate to their views about the world? A recent 24-nation survey explores these questions.
-
Comparing Views of the U.S. and China in 24 Countries
We examine how the U.S. and China stack up to one another on more than 10 measures of international public opinion, spanning from confidence in their leaders to views of their universities and technological achievements.
-
Views of India Lean Positive Across 23 Countries
Across 12 countries, a median of 40% of adults say they have no confidence in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do the right thing regarding world affairs, while a median of 37% say they have at least some confidence. About eight-in-ten Indians (79%) have a favorable view of Modi, including a 55% majority with a very favorable view.
-
China’s Approach to Foreign Policy Gets Largely Negative Reviews in 24-Country Survey
A median of 76% of adults in the 24 countries surveyed say China does not take into account the interests of other countries in its foreign policy. Majorities in most countries also say China does not contribute to global peace and stability.
-
Large Shares See Russia and Putin in Negative Light, While Views of Zelenskyy More Mixed
Across 24 countries, large shares have an unfavorable view of Russia and no confidence in Putin to do the right thing regarding world affairs.
-
Americans Hold Positive Feelings Toward NATO and Ukraine, See Russia as an Enemy
Majorities of U.S. adults have favorable views of Ukraine (64%) and NATO (62%). About seven-in-ten Republicans (71%) say the U.S. should pay less attention to problems overseas and focus on concerns at home — up from 65% in 2021.
Download Dataset
This content requires a Pew Research Center account.