![]() ![]() Nevertheless, many people have positive attitudes about the way democracy is working and most still believe they can have an influence on the direction of their country. Another sign of frustration with political elites and institutions are the poor ratings for most European political parties. In former Eastern Bloc nations, there is a widespread perception that politicians – and to a somewhat lesser extent, businesspeople – have benefited greatly from the changes that have taken place since the end of the communist era. Across the EU nations polled, a median of 69% disagree with the statement “Most elected officials care about what people like me think.” Majorities also share this perspective in Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. One factor driving dissatisfaction with the way democracy is working is frustration with political elites, who are often perceived as out of touch with the average citizens. ![]() In Slovakia, most respondents have stated that fair judiciary is the most important factor of democracy, while they considered free civil society as the least important. Russians consistently express the lowest levels of support, meanwhile the Americans, are often especially likely to see these principles as very important. Western Europeans are generally more likely than Central and Eastern Europeans to rate these rights and institutions as very important. However, there are also notable difference across countries. In general, most people consider having a fair judicial system and gender equality very important, but support for religious freedom and allowing civil society groups to operate freely is in some cases less enthusiastic. Regarding democratic values and development there is broad support for specific democratic rights and institutions across all 14 EU countries included in the study, as well Russia, Ukraine and the United States. One of the explanations for this phenomenon can be the fact that countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy have not experienced economic growth for a long period of time and therefore, there is very little optimism about their economic future. In contrast, roughly a quarter or fewer hold this view in Greece, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and France. Around six-in-ten Ukrainians, Poles and Lithuanians believe that when children in their country grow up, they will be financially better off than their parents. When it comes to the economic prospects for the next generation, hope is somewhat more common in former Eastern Bloc nations. Nevertheless, the research has revealed that there is also a divide regarding views about the economic future. On the other hand, it has been stated that the difference that still persists between the two parts of Europe concerns social aspects such as views on the traditional marriage, homosexuality or the role of women in society, where Western Europeans express much more progressive attitudes. On the one hand, the political disruption that currently exists in Central Europe is also happening in Western Europe and even in the United States. ![]() The perceived divisions between Western European and Central and Eastern European perceptions were however, challenged in the discussion. Moreover, the progress across the countries has been uneven. One of the keys findings of the research is the fact that people in Europe embrace democracy but worry about the political and economic future. The Pew Research Center´s findings were also compared to the outcomes of our own research published in GLOBSEC Trends 2019, which address similar questions through annual polling in the region. GLOBSEC hosted the event to discuss the findings and elaborate on Central European views, particularly as part of a broader European framework. Building on the research conducted in 19, this was a new survey of 17 nations, including Western and Eastern European countries, as well as Ukraine, Russia and the United States. Richard Wike of Pew Research Center explored findings from the newest edition of the Center’s research on European attitudes. On 24th October, GLOBSEC hosted an event How do Europeans view democracy, free markets and social change since the fall of communism? In this session, Dr. ![]()
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