International

Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.

As daunting challenges from Russia, China and a flagging global economy ripple across the world, Americans and Germans continue to say that relations between their countries are good. Most Americans and Germans continue to see each other as partners on protecting European security, and publics in each country are willing to support using military action to protect themselves and their allies.

A median of 68% across 19 countries think their country has done a good job dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, with majorities saying this in every country surveyed except Japan. However, most also believe the pandemic has created greater divisions in their societies and exposed weaknesses in their political systems – and these view are especially common in the U.S.

As President Joe Biden embarks on his first visit to Israel as president, he does so against an amicable backdrop: A majority of adults in both Israel and the United States have favorable views of the other country and the current state of bilateral relations, though Americans’ views on Israel differ sharply by party and age.

Large majorities in most of the 19 countries surveyed have negative views of China, but relatively few say bilateral relations are bad.

Most say U.S. is reliable partner, and ratings for Biden are mostly positive – although down significantly from last year.

More than nine-in-ten Poles see Russia as a major threat and have no confidence at all in Putin

Americans see China as a growing superpower – and increasingly say it is the world’s leading economy.

Attitudes toward NATO have grown more positive: 67% express a favorable opinion of the organization, up from 61% in 2021.

We asked respondents in both countries to, in their own words, define what democracy means to them. Most commonly, people mention three broad concepts: freedom and human rights, elections and procedures, and having a voice in government.

As democratic nations have wrestled with economic, social and geopolitical upheaval in recent years, the future of liberal democracy has come into question. Our international surveys reveal key insights into how citizens think about democratic governance.

Nearly 19,000 adults in publics ranging from the UK, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the U.S., among others, share where they find meaning in their lives and what keeps them going.

Family is preeminent for most publics but work, material well-being and health also play a key role.

The U.S. is seen positively in advanced economies for its technology, entertainment, military and universities, but negatively for its health care system, discrimination and the state of its democracy.

Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.

Wide majorities in most of the 17 advanced economies surveyed say having people of many different backgrounds improves their society, but most also see conflicts between partisan, racial and ethnic groups.

Germany’s pandemic response and its role in the EU are also rated positively.

Citizens offer mixed reviews of how their societies have responded to climate change, and many question the efficacy of international efforts to stave off a global environmental crisis.

Despite an uptick in positive views of the economy in some places, many say that children will be worse off financially than their parents.

Unfavorable views of China also hover near historic highs in most of the 17 advanced economies surveyed.

We asked Americans: “What’s the first thing you think about when you think about China?” Here's how they answered.

Publics disagree about whether restrictions on public activity, such as stay-at-home orders or mandates to wear masks in public, have gone far enough to combat COVID-19.

Most would welcome government-sponsored job training and other interventions.

A median of 45% across 34 surveyed countries say it is necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values. However, public opinion on this question, as well as the role of God, prayer and religion varies by country, region and economic development.

U.S. adults give high marks to South Korea and Germany’s pandemic responses. In contrast, most believe China has done an only fair or poor job.

There is widespread support in Taiwan for increased economic and political ties with the U.S. While many are wary of stronger political ties with mainland China, about half would favor stronger economic relations.

Republicans are more negative than Democrats toward China, though unfavorable ratings have climbed among both parties.

Most say cooperation with other countries is important in dealing with global threats, especially on the spread of infectious diseases.

Political divides on both sides of the Atlantic continue to shape attitudes about relations with other nations, perceptions about defense spending and Americans’ and Germans’ views of each other.

Majorities say the democratic principles tested on our survey are at least somewhat important. But often, underwhelming percentages describe democratic rights and institutions as very important.