Citizens in Advanced Economies Want Significant Changes to Their Political Systems
Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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.
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.
Unfavorable views of China also hover near historic highs in most of the 17 advanced economies surveyed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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