Satisfaction with democracy has declined in recent years in high-income nations
Many worldwide are dissatisfied with how democracy is working. In several high-income democracies, dissatisfaction has been on the rise since 2021.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Many worldwide are dissatisfied with how democracy is working. In several high-income democracies, dissatisfaction has been on the rise since 2021.
A 24-country survey finds a median of 59% are dissatisfied with how their democracy is functioning, and 74% think elected officials don’t care what people like them think.
The share of the public that supports authoritarian systems ranges from 85% in India to 8% in Sweden.
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.
Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.
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.
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.
Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.
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