Democracy
The Lowy Institute’s polling on attitudes towards democracy has provoked considerable debate since we first asked Australians for their views in 2012. There is mixed awareness of democracies in our region amongst Australians, with the majority recognising Japan, India, Papua New Guinea and Taiwan as democracies, but not agreeing that Indonesia is a democracy. In 2019, support for democracy in Australia was stable, with 65% of Australians saying that ‘democracy is preferable to any other kind of government’. One in five (22%) say that ‘in some circumstances, a non-democratic government can be preferable’, while 12% say that ‘for someone like me, it doesn’t matter what kind of government we have’.
12 questions match this theme
Security and defence
Threats to Australia's vital interests
Below is a list of possible threats to the vital interest of Australia in the next ten years. Do you see this as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all?
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 inDemocracy
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 inDemocracy
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 inDemocracy
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 inDemocracy
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 inAustralian 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.
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 inIndonesia
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