Richard Wike

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.

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.

Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.

A new survey of 16 publics finds a significant uptick in ratings for the U.S., with strong support for Joe Biden and several of his major policy initiatives. But many raise concerns about the health of America’s political system.

In the U.S., concerns about political corruption are especially widespread. Two-in-three Americans agree that the phrase “most politicians are corrupt” describes their country well.

Majorities in all three countries said in a fall 2020 survey that the U.S. system needs either major changes or to be completely reformed.

Most in all three countries are optimistic that U.S. policies and trans-Atlantic relations will improve under his presidency.

In international surveys, Donald Trump has generally received lower ratings than either of his two predecessors.

The U.S. is not the only country wrestling with political fissures. But the pandemic has revealed how pervasive the divide in U.S. politics is.