Majorities in most countries surveyed say social media is good for democracy
Across 27 countries surveyed, people generally see social media as more of a good thing than a bad thing for democracy.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Across 27 countries surveyed, people generally see social media as more of a good thing than a bad thing for democracy.
The share of the public that supports authoritarian systems ranges from 85% in India to 8% in Sweden.
People in advanced and emerging economies have mixed feelings about social media’s impact on political life.
People around the world see both strengths and flaws in the U.S., but they generally view the U.S. positively, according to a new survey of 24 countries.
Amid unrest, here is a closer look at Lebanon’s widespread use of WhatsApp, as well as unhappiness with the political and economic situation.
Dissatisfaction with democracy is correlated with views on economic conditions, whether key democratic norms are being respected and other issues.
Since the end of World War II, there have been 225 successful coups (counting the events in Zimbabwe) in countries with populations greater than 500,000, according to the Center for Systemic Peace, which maintains extensive datasets on various forms of armed conflict and political violence. Most coups occurred during the height of the Cold War, from the 1960s through the 1980s.
When President Barack Obama travels to Kenya and Ethiopia later this week, he will likely receive a warm public reception. Obama, whose father was Kenyan, is very popular in both countries, as well as in many other nations in sub-Saharan Africa. But it’s not just Obama – as Pew Research Center surveys have shown over the years, the United States consistently receives high marks throughout the region.
Of the 64 countries in this category, about half have Christian symbols (48%) and about a third include Islamic religious symbols (33%).
Low turnout in Egypt’s presidential election has raised concerns that a victory for former general Abdel Fattah El-Sisi would leave the government without a sufficient mandate.
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