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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International Affairs
Publications
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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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Russians see World War II, not 1917 revolution, as nation’s most important historical event
Just 8% of Russians believe the Russian Revolution was the country’s most important event of the past century. A 34% plurality says it was World War II.
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Increasing Public Concern Over North Korea’s Nuclear Capability, Intentions
As Donald Trump sets off on his visit to Asia, the public has become increasingly concerned over North Korea’s capability and its willingness to use nuclear weapons against the United States.
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Asian countries on Trump’s trip have largely positive views of U.S. but disagree on policy
While majorities on Trump’s five-country itinerary this month hold favorable views of the U.S., most disapprove of several of his signature policies.
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How U.S. refugee resettlement in each state has shifted since 2002
The resettlement of refugees in the U.S. has been fairly consistent across the country since 2002, with no state resettling a majority of them. In fiscal year 2017, no state resettled more than 10% of the 53,716 refugees the nation admitted that year.
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Where have refugees settled in the U.S.?
Refugees are resettled throughout the United States. This interactive tool displays the top nationality of refugees resettled across each state between fiscal 2002 and 2017.
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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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How Americans, Mexicans see each other differs for those closer to border
Amid tense relations between the U.S. and Mexico, one of the factors affecting the way Mexicans and Americans view each other is proximity to the border.
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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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How people in Asia-Pacific view China
Ahead of the 19th National Congress in China, read key findings about how the country is viewed by its neighbors.
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.
