Even before Capitol riot, most people in Germany, France and the UK had concerns about U.S. political system
Majorities in all three countries said in a fall 2020 survey that the U.S. system needs either major changes or to be completely reformed.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Majorities in all three countries said in a fall 2020 survey that the U.S. system needs either major changes or to be completely reformed.
Most in all three countries are optimistic that U.S. policies and trans-Atlantic relations will improve under his presidency.
A new survey of 16 publics finds a significant uptick in ratings for the U.S., with strong support for Joe Biden and several of his major policy initiatives. But many raise concerns about the health of America’s political system.
In several countries, favorable views of the U.S. are at their lowest point since the Center began polling on this topic two decades ago.
President Trump and his policies continue to receive negative reviews from people worldwide, with a lack of confidence in his leadership especially common in Western Europe. While views of the U.S. are positive overall, they vary widely among some of its key allies.
Thirty years ago, a wave of optimism swept across Europe as walls and regimes fell, and long-oppressed publics embraced open societies, open markets and a more united Europe. Three decades later, a new Pew Research Center survey finds that few people in the former Eastern Bloc regret the monumental changes of 1989-1991.
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.
Across 27 countries, more people are unhappy with the state of democracy in their countries than satisfied. Discontent with democracy is tied to concerns about the economy, individual rights and out-of-touch elites.
Donald Trump’s international image remains poor, and ratings for the U.S. have declined since his election. Yet most people around the world still want the U.S., not China, as the world’s leading power.
Across the world, a median of 78% say representative democracy is a good way to govern their country. Yet, pro-democracy views coexist with openness to nondemocratic forms of governance.
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