A recent Ipsos survey looked at perceptions of democracy in nine Western nations and found growing dissatisfaction and deep concerns.The study looked at democracy in the USA, UK, France, Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. While there was clear support for the principles of democracy, most people were not impressed by their government's actual practice. In fact, a majority in all countries except Poland believed that democratic practice is worse now than it was five years ago.
Perceptions were particularly negative in France (where 81% believed things have got worse), the Netherlands (76%) and the USA (53%). In no country did a majority feel their government was representing their views, either a great deal or a fair amount. International organisations such as the G7 and UN were not seen as doing a good job in defending democracy. Fake news, a lack of accountability, corruption and extremism were identified as the leading threats.
More about the IPSOS study here >>