Globally, Biden Receives Higher Ratings Than Trump
Across 34 nations polled, a 43% median have confidence in Biden’s handling of world affairs, while a 28% median have confidence in Trump.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Across 34 nations polled, a 43% median have confidence in Biden’s handling of world affairs, while a 28% median have confidence in Trump.
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.
Despite the many depressing stories dominating the international news cycle, there is also a note of positivity among survey respondents in views of the UN, the benefits of international cooperation for solving problems and the importance of common values for bringing nations together.
Focus groups with young adults in France, Germany and the United Kingdom revealed that these young people see the U.S. as the “world’s policeman” with a self-interested history of interventionism, while China is labeled the “world’s factory,” respected for its economic dominance but criticized for its expansionism and human rights violations.
Large majorities in most of the 19 countries surveyed have negative views of China, but relatively few say bilateral relations are bad.
Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.
Family is preeminent for most publics but work, material well-being and health also play a key role.
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
Germans and Americans have both become more skeptical of China.
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.
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