Democracy remains the most popular model of government in the world, but only 57% of young people (aged 18 to 36) believe that democracy is preferable to any form of government, compared to 71% of older respondents, according to one of the largest surveys ever on global public opinion on human rights and democracy in 30 countries, published by Foundations for the Open Society.
The survey shows that 42% of young people support the military regime, compared to 20% of older respondents (over 56 years old). And more than a third (35%) of respondents aged 18 to 35 were in favor of a strong leader who overrides parliament and elections.
One of the reasons for this lower support for democracy among young people is the various challenges the world faces, such as poverty, inequality and climate change.
The document also shows that the majority of people (58%) fear violence due to political unrest in the coming year, including two-thirds of respondents in the US and France.
The overwhelming majority support human rights; An average of 72% of respondents call them a “force for good in the world”, but a large minority believe that Western countries use them to punish developing countries.
Also, a large majority of respondents around the world (70%) are concerned that climate change will negatively impact them and their livelihoods in the coming year.
The research was conducted by Savanta and Gradus Research in Ukraine between May and July 2023, using a combination of online panels and local providers in 30 countries.
“The conclusions we have drawn are both worrying and alarming. People all over the world want to continue to believe in democracy. But from generation to generation, that belief fades as doubt grows about its ability to bring about concrete improvements in their lives. needs to change,” says Mark Malloch-Brown, chairman of the Open Society Foundations.
Source: DN
