People Around the World Want Political Change, but Many Doubt It Can Happen
Majorities in 20 of 25 countries surveyed say their political system needs major changes or complete reform, but many lack confidence this can happen effectively.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
International Affairs
Topic Spotlight
- Russia-Ukraine War: A majority of Americans are not confident that Donald Trump can make wise decisions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, according to an August survey. (Read the short read)
- Views of the U.S.: Amid low confidence in Trump, views of the U.S. have declined among many nations included in our 24-country survey. (Read the report)
- Views of China: More people globally now see China as the world’s leading economic power, yet views of the country and its president remain broadly negative. (Read the report)
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Increased Public Support for the U.S. Arming Ukraine
Survey Report As fighting continues in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed rebels, the public has become more supportive of sending arms to the Ukrainian government and increasing sanctions on Russia. More still oppose (53%) than favor (41%) the U.S. sending arms and military supplies to the Ukrainian government, but support for arming Ukraine […]
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European Millennials more likely than older generations to view China favorably
About half of young Europeans ages 18 to 33 have a positive view of China, but that view is tempered by their opinions about that country’s human rights record.
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Discontent with Politics Common in Many Emerging and Developing Nations
People in emerging and developing countries around the world are on balance unhappy with the way their political systems are working.
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Negative Views about the Economy Linked to Political Dissatisfaction
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European Millennials are cool toward Russia, but warmer than older generations
In six of seven European Union countries surveyed by the Pew Research Center, roughly a third or less of young people born after 1980 have a favorable opinion of Russia.
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Widespread concerns about extremism in Muslim nations, and little support for it
The horrific murder of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh has generated shock and outrage around the globe. And if recent history is a guide, this brutal act will only deepen opposition to ISIS, and to violent extremism more generally, in Jordan and other predominantly Muslim nations.
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Is Europe on board for a new trade deal with the U.S.?
Overall, recent surveys in both the U.S. and the 28-member EU suggest there is widespread support for a deeper transatlantic trade and investment relationship in most EU countries and among publics representing most of the European population, economy and exports to the U.S.
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Greek election reflects country’s differences with the EU
Most Greeks polled in 2014 didn’t express particularly warm views of the EU. And public sentiment showed that many in other European nations harbor negative stereotypes of Greeks.
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Despite progress, U.S. still lags many nations in women leaders
Women now make up 20% of Congress, a record high. But women have more representation in most countries’ national legislatures.
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Obama heads to India, where the public is warm to him
Obama’s visit to India on Republic Day is expected to usher in a new, positive era in India-U.S. relations — especially at a time when a majority of Indians have a favorable view of the United States and a majority of Americans express a positive opinion of India.
Signature Reports
Attitudes on an Interconnected World
How close do people feel to others around the world? How much do they want their countries involved in international affairs? How do people’s experiences with travel and feelings of international connectedness relate to their views about the world? A recent 24-nation survey explores these questions.
Representative Democracy Remains a Popular Ideal, but People Around the World Are Critical of How It’s Working
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.
What Can Improve Democracy?
Amid growing discontent with the state of democracy globally, we asked over 30,000 people what changes would make their democracy work better.
NATO Seen Favorably in Member States; Confidence in Zelenskyy Down in Europe, U.S.
NATO is seen more positively than not across 13 member states. And global confidence in Ukraine’s leader has become more mixed since last year.
