PublicationsApril 26, 2018

The Public, the Political System and American Democracy

Survey Report At a time of growing stress on democracy around the world, Americans generally agree on democratic ideals and values that are important for the United States. But for the most part, they see the country falling well short in living up to these ideals, according to a new study of opinion on the […]

Survey ReportsMarch 2, 2017

Large Majorities See Checks and Balances, Right to Protest as Essential for Democracy

Large majorities of the public, Republicans and Democrats alike, say open and fair elections and a system of governmental checks and balances are essential to maintaining a strong democracy in the United States.

PublicationsDecember 6, 2011

An ‘Iron Hand’ Is No Substitute For Democracy

Two decades ago, a survey conducted by the Times Mirror Center of the Soviet Union during perestroika showed a huge divide between hardline communists and the young, urban Russians who backed Boris Yeltsin and favoured a free market economy. Last weekend’s election results show how the divide endures 20 years on. A new Pew Research […]

PublicationsFebruary 3, 2005

Iraqi Vote Mirrors Desire for Democracy in Muslim World

A Pew Global Attitudes Project commentary

PublicationsJune 3, 2003

Views of a Changing World 2003

Introduction and Summary The speed of the war in Iraq and the prevailing belief that the Iraqi people are better off as a result have modestly improved the image of America. But in most countries, opinions of the U.S. are markedly lower than they were a year ago. The war has widened the rift between […]

PublicationsJanuary 27, 1993

The Russians Rethink Democracy

REPORT SUMMARY As their standard of living goes from bad to worse and uncertainty about the future increases, the Russian people have soured on democracy. By a margin of 51% to 31% Russians say they now favor a strong leader, rather than a democratic form of government to solve their country’s problems.  Only 17 months […]