A recent survey conducted by George Soros’ Open Society Foundations (OSF) has revealed that young people are increasingly losing faith in democracy’s ability to address the pressing issues that affect them. The survey, which involved more than 36,000 participants from 30 countries, took place between May and July of this year.
While the majority of respondents still prefer democracy as a form of governance, only 57% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 view it as the best option. This decline in confidence is deeply concerning, according to OSF President Mark Malloch Brown, who described the findings as “sobering and alarming.”
One of the most striking results of the survey is that 35% of young people believe that a “strong leader” who does not hold elections or engage with legislatures is a good way to run a country. Additionally, 42% of the same age group expressed support for military rule. Surprisingly, 20% of older respondents also shared this sentiment.
Despite these trends, the survey also found widespread support for various issues across all age groups and income levels. One notable consensus among participants was that it is wrong for governments to discriminate against individuals based on appearance, religion, or sexual and gender identity. Poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis were identified as the most critical challenges facing society today. However, over half of the respondents (53%) felt that their country was moving in the wrong direction, and one-third believed politicians were not acting in the best interests of their constituents.
Despite these doubts, confidence in the fundamental principles of democracy persists. Brown highlighted the coexistence of faith in democratic values with concerns about its real-world impact. On average, around 70% of respondents expressed concerns about the negative effects of the climate crisis on their livelihoods in the next year.
Surprisingly, although migration has been a frequently discussed topic in recent times, only 7% of participants considered it a major concern. In fact, 66% of respondents favored the introduction of safer and more legal means for migrants.
The survey results demonstrate the erosion of young people’s trust in governments’ capacity to effectively address societal challenges. It highlights the need for policymakers to address these concerns and restore confidence in democratic systems. Failure to do so may result in a further decline of faith in democracy and an increase in support for alternative forms of governance among the younger generation. Recognizing and addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining a stable and inclusive society.
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