Themes

Democracy

In 2022, Australians’ preference for democracy has reached a record high. Three-quarters of Australians (74%) say ‘democracy is preferable to any other kind of government’, an increase of nine points from 2019. One in five (18%) say that ‘in some circumstances, a non-democratic government can be preferable’. In an election year in Australia, only 7% say ‘for someone like me, it doesn’t matter what kind of government we have’, the lowest level in the history of the Lowy Institute Poll. The gap between older and younger Australians on the importance of democracy — prominent in previous Lowy Institute polling — appears to have almost disappeared. In 2022, seven in ten Australians aged 18–29 (70%) express a preference for democracy, compared with 74% of Australians aged over 30. In previous years, this gap has been as large as 28 points. At a time when Australian leaders are increasingly discussing the importance of liberal democracies, Australians are more likely than ever to be aware of other democracies in the region. There have been substantial increases in the number of Australians who agree that Taiwan, India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are democracies. At the same time, the number of Australians who agree that Hong Kong and China are democracies has declined. Australians continue to see traditional partners as democracies.

The vast majority of Australians (92%) agree that the United Kingdom is a democracy. The percentage of Australians who see the United States as a democracy has increased six points from 2020 to 87%. More Australians in 2022 also see Japan as a democracy (84%), an increase of five points from 2020. More Australians also now see Japan as Australia’s best friend in Asia.

In line with Australians’ increasing concerns about a conflict over Taiwan, seven in ten (68%) now agree that Taiwan is a democracy, an increase of 16 points from 2020. While trust in India has declined in the past year, seven in ten Australians (68%) see India as a democracy, up 11 points from 2020. Six in ten Australians (63%) also say Papua New Guinea is a democracy, a ten-point increase from 2020.

The Lowy Institute Poll has surveyed Australians on their views about Indonesia for 18 years, and their responses have started to demonstrate growing awareness about our largest neighbour. Lowy Institute polling has consistently shown that most Australians do not view Indonesia as a democracy. In 2022, the level of awareness about Indonesia as a democracy has reached a new record high, with 48% agreeing Indonesia is a democracy, a nine-point increase from 2020. After a year in which media groups have been shut down and elections limited, fewer Australians (28%) see Hong Kong as a democracy, a decline of nine points since 2020. Only 7% of Australians agree that China is a democracy, a three-point fall from 2020.

14 questions match this theme

Democracy

Attitudes to democracy

Which of the following statements comes closest to your views about democracy?
Asked in
- 2022
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Data
Democracy

Democracies around the world

Here is a list of countries and territories. For each one, please indicate whether you agree or disagree that the country or territory is a democracy.
Asked in
- 2022
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2015
- 2013
Data
Indonesia

Indonesia and democracy

Now a question about Indonesia. Do you personally agree or disagree that Indonesia is a democracy?
Asked in
- 2022
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2015
- 2013
Data
Security and defence

Threats to Australia's vital interests

Do you see the following possible threat as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat to Australia's vital interests in the next ten years?
Asked in
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2014
- 2009
- 2008
- 2006
Data
Security and defence

Foreign influence in Australian politics

Are you personally concerned or not concerned about the influence of each of the following countries on Australia’s political processes?
Asked in
Data
Indonesia

Attitudes to Indonesia

I am now going to read out a number of statements about Indonesia. For each one please say whether you personally agree or disagree.
Asked in
- 2019
- 2018
- 2015
- 2013
Data
Democracy

Satisfaction with democracy in Australia

On the whole, are you very satisfied, fairly satisfied, not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with the way democracy works in Australia?
Asked in
- 2019
Data
Democracy

Democracy or economy

Still on democracy, if you had to choose between a good democracy and a strong economy for Australia, which one would you personally choose?
Asked in
- 2014
Data
Democracy

Reasons for not preferring democracy

For each of the following please say whether it is a major reason, a minor reason or not a reason why you personally think that [In some circumstances, a non-democratic government can be preferable OR For someone like me, it doesn’t matter what kind of government we have]:
Asked in
- 2014
Data
Democracy

Republic and head of state

Now about the possibility of Australia becoming a republic. If Australia became a republic with an Australian head of state, do you personally think…
Asked in
- 2014
Data
Democracy

Importance of human rights in Australia

And now I will ask you about the United Nations and human rights. The United Nations has set out a number of human rights that it says apply to all people throughout the world. I am going to read you a few of these. For each one, please say whether you personally agree or disagree that it is important for you here in Australia. And is that strongly or partly?
Asked in
- 2012
Data
Australian foreign policy

Goals of Australian foreign policy

Thinking about what Australian foreign policy should be trying to achieve, I am going to read a list of goals, and ask you to tell me how important each one is for Australia.
Asked in
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
Data
Indonesia

Indonesia as a threat

Do you think Indonesia is more of a threat to Australia or less of a threat than it was 15 years ago, or has there been no change?
Asked in
- 2010
Data
Indonesia

Trajectory of Indonesia's democracy

Do you think Indonesia is more open and democratic or, less open and democratic today compared to say 15 years ago or is it about the same?
Asked in
- 2010
Data