A comprehensive Ipsos poll reveals that fake news, lack of political accountability, political extremism, and corruption are viewed as the greatest threats to democracy in Europe and the United States. Most countries surveyed report a worsening perception of democracy over the past five years, with widespread concern about political polarisation, institutional trust, and the integrity of democratic processes.
Key Threats to Democracy Highlighted by Ipsos
As reported by Ipsos on 14 November 2025, fake news tops the list of perceived threats to democracy, cited by over 70% of respondents in many countries including the UK and Sweden. This is closely followed by lack of accountability among politicians, the rise of extremist parties, corruption, and extreme political polarisation.
The Ipsos KnowledgePanel survey covered nine Western countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US. According to the report, “fake news” concerns were highest in the UK (76%), Sweden (75%) and the US (59%). Corruption was also a major worry, cited by 47% of respondents, while the lack of political accountability worried between 49% and 66% depending on the country. The rise of extremist parties and politicians featured prominently, reported by 48% to 62% of respondents across these nations.
Perceptions of Democracy’s Performance
The Ipsos report noted a predominantly negative view on how democracy is currently functioning. Except for Poland, where 42% said democracy is improving, most countries saw a majority believing democracy has worsened over the past five years. For example, 81% of French respondents and 76% in the Netherlands felt democracy had gotten worse. The US, Spain and the UK also registered majorities above 58% sharing this concern. This shift indicates growing dissatisfaction with democratic institutions and processes.
Broader Social and Political Concerns
Beyond fake news and extremism, the survey found that political polarisation was among the top worries, cited by up to 68% of respondents, notably in the Netherlands and Sweden. Many also expressed concern over economic inequality and foreign interference in their nations’ political affairs. These factors contribute to a complex crisis of trust affecting democratic engagement and governance.
Support for Democratic Principles and Reforms
Despite the pessimistic views, Ipsos also found strong support for democratic principles such as cooperation, checks and balances, and public participation. The survey demonstrated that voters favour a range of reforms aimed at strengthening democracy. These include stronger anti-corruption laws and enforcement, better civic education in schools, improved regulation of social media to combat misinformation and hate speech, and more opportunities for citizens to directly influence political decisions through referenda and citizen assemblies.
As per the Ipsos report, between 45% to 78% of respondents endorse tougher anti-corruption measures and social media regulations. Civic education saw support from around 50% on average, indicating a public desire for systemic reforms rather than radical overhaul.
Country-Specific Highlights
- Poland: Unique among the surveyed countries, Poland showed more optimism with 42% believing democracy had improved, coinciding with a recent high turnout presidential election.
- Sweden: Scored high on satisfaction with democracy, with respondents rating the system positively despite concerns shared in across other nations.
- France and Netherlands: Particularly pessimistic about the state of democracy, reflecting widespread calls for significant political reform.
Ipsos’ “State of Democracy 2025” reflects a critical juncture for democratic governance in Western democracies. The convergence of threats like misinformation, lack of accountability, extremism, and corruption is fueling public anxiety and demands for change. While democratic principles retain strong support, the challenge remains to translate citizen concerns into effective reforms that restore trust, ensure accountability, and strengthen democratic institutions for the future.
