Dissatisfaction with democracy remains widespread in many nations
Across 12 high-income countries, a median of 64% of adults say they are dissatisfied with the way their democracy is working, while a median of 35% are satisfied.
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U.S. foreign policy experts are more pessimistic about democracy than their European counterparts
Foreign policy experts on opposite sides of the Atlantic have markedly different assessments of the way democracy is working in their countries.
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People in less democratic countries are more likely to say China and Russia respect personal freedoms
People who live in countries where the political system is less than “fully democratic” tend to give Beijing and Moscow higher marks for upholding individual rights than people who live in full democracies, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of public opinion in 38 countries across the globe.
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Many Italians are deeply pessimistic ahead of general election
Last fall, large shares of Italians said they distrust parliament, that the national economic situation is bad and that politicians don’t care what people like them think.
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Transatlantic Dialogues: In Europe and North America, Publics More Supportive Than Experts of Direct Democracy
Surveys of foreign policy experts and the general public reveal a division between these two groups over the role of the people’s voice in governing, as well as on the consequences of Trump’s presidency.
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How countries around the world view democracy, military rule and other political systems
Many around the world say representative democracy is a good way to run their country. Compare global views of political systems and read six key findings.
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Explore global opinions on political systems by country
How countries around the world view democracy, military rule and other political systems.
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Japanese Divided on Democracy’s Success at Home, but Value Voice of the People
Though Japanese are split on their democracy’s performance, most endorse representative democracy and back referenda on major policy issues.
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Globally, Broad Support for Representative and Direct Democracy
Across the world, a median of 78% say representative democracy is a good way to govern their country. Yet, pro-democracy views coexist with openness to nondemocratic forms of governance.
