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)
Sign up for our Global newsletter
Delivered twice a month
All
International Affairs
Publications
-
In countries near Syria, widespread fear about the spread of violence, extremists
Middle East worries about spreading violence and a possible triumph by extremists in Syria have been evident in Pew Research surveys the past two years.
-
Syria’s Neighbors Want Assad to Step Down, But No Appetite for Aid to Rebels
After three years of civil war, Syria’s neighbors fear that al Qaeda or other extremist groups could take control of that war-torn land, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center. Regional publics widely disapprove of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and they want him to step down. Nevertheless, there is mounting opposition in […]
-
More Americans say U.S. failed to achieve its goals in Iraq
As Sunni militants make a major military push against the central government in Iraq, the Obama administration is said to have rebuffed requests from Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to use drones to strike at extremist bases. That reported reluctance follows years of U.S. military intervention in Iraq that many Americans say was misguided and failed to achieve its goals.
-
On Eve of World Cup, Brazil Well-Regarded in Much of the World
As Brazil prepares to host its second World Cup, at least half of those surveyed in 24 of 37 countries have a favorable view of the South American nation. Views of Brazil are particularly positive in Latin America and Asia, although in many countries a fair share of people offer no opinion. Brazil gets especially […]
-
Public Has Doubts about Bergdahl Prisoner Exchange
Survey Report The prisoner exchange that freed U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl from the Taliban in Afghanistan gets a more negative than positive reaction from the public. Overall, 43% say it was the wrong thing for the Obama administration to exchange five Taliban prisoners for captive soldier Bergdahl, while fewer (34%) say it was the right […]
-
On D-Day anniversary, only 1 million World War II veterans still alive
By the next decennial anniversary, the VA estimates that their numbers will be down to 81,117.
-
Less than half of Ukrainians support economic aid from the West
The Ukrainians’ lack of enthusiasm for economic aid comes at a time when their economic outlook is bleak.
-
Brazilian Discontent Ahead of World Cup
The national mood in Brazil is grim, following a year in which more than a million people have taken to the streets of major cities across the country to protest corruption, rising inflation and a lack of government investment in public services such as education, health care and public transportation, among other things. A new […]
-
Obama charts a new foreign policy course for a public that wants the focus to be at home
The speech also comes at a time when the American public has less of an appetite for foreign involvement and believes American clout is not what it used to be.
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.
