This report presents the results of the largest global survey to date on public attitudes toward the creation of a citizen-elected world parliament to handle global issues. Covering 101 countries that represent 90% of the world’s population, the survey finds that 40% of respondents globally are supportive whereas only 27% are opposed.
An analysis of the results suggests that those who are more at the periphery of power and influence, whether nationally or globally, are most likely to support the idea of a world parliament. Young people, members of ethnic minorities, urban residents, those with below-average income as well as with low education are among the most supportive. While relative majorities are supportive in 85 countries across all regions, the level is highest in countries of the Global South and Sub-Sahara Africa in particular.
Those who are more at the periphery of power and influence are most likely to support a world parliament
Opposition is strongest among those who often may be seen to have a secure position in the current order. The most important indicators for opposition are above-average income, highest education, and belonging to the highest age group but also residency in rural areas. The 16 countries where net opposition exists are all democracies and mostly high-income. On the other hand, the top 30 in terms of net support only include three countries considered fully free. Respondents in countries with restricted freedom may see a world parliament as a factor that can contribute to advancing democracy at home and globally whereas those in free countries may fear detrimental influence.
A significant share of 33% of respondents, often the largest group in individual countries, selected the neutral response. This may indicate unfamiliarity with the proposed idea. Neutrality points to a broad space of openness and potential engagement. If the idea of a world parliament were to become more prominent in public discourse, these views could shift significantly, so the present results should be seen as indications only.
The proposal for a world parliament is not widely known but, where respondents form a view, it finds more support than rejection in the vast majority of countries. In the 16 countries where opposition is stronger, there are still significant shares of neutral respondents. In 11 of them the neutral share is the largest. Our findings point to a global constituency open to democratic representation beyond the nation-state and a public readiness for dialogue about the future of the global order.