NEW GLOBAL DATA: Citizens in Western Democracies Have Lost Faith in Political Progress
A major new international study reveals a deep loss of public confidence in democracy’s ability to deliver real change. In five Western democracies surveyed — the UK, USA, Germany, Italy and Denmark — at least two-thirds of citizens believe their societies will not be better in ten years.
The research, conducted as part of the new book The Puzzle State – How to Govern Wicked Problems in Western Democracies by Danish bestselling author Sigge Winther Nielsen, Ph.D., points to mounting political pessimism and a growing disconnect between political promises and delivery in hospitals, schools, and businesses.
Key Findings
82% of Germans and nearly 80% of Britons expect no improvement in their societies over the next decade.
In all five countries, the majority believe political decisions are made without realistic plans for implementation.
Trust in democracy’s ability to tackle “wicked problems” — such as climate change, mental health, labour shortages and inequality — is low (4,6 on average on a 10-point scale), especially compared to its perceived stronger ability to safeguard constitutional freedoms and to secure equal participation in the democratic dialogue.
Citizens increasingly see politics as “pseudo-politics” disconnected from the frontline realities.
About the Study
The analysis draws on:
A representative international survey (n = 5,000+, Spring 2025) conducted by the think tank Institute for Wicked Problems (INVI) and Epinion.
More than 100 qualitative interviews with political insiders across five countries.
A review of 25 years of reform efforts, revealing a strikingly high rate of failure.
Political Leaders Call for Action
In the book The Puzzle State – How to Govern Wicked Problems in Western Democracies the erosion of public trust is echoed by senior figures within political systems across the West. The 100+ interviews reveal a sense of institutional fatigue, frustration over outdated processes, and concern about the widening gap between government ambition and real-world results.
From Brussels to Berlin and Westminster to Washington, prominent voices highlight the urgent need for reform:
“Politicians, journalists, and civil servants always talk about who is responsible and who pays. And then you end up with a law. However, there is no vision … and too limited understanding of how to implement the law in practice.”
- Gerhard Hammerschmid, professor at Hertie School, Germany
“Today, I think the role of the politician has changed. The speed and complexity are very high. We do not have time or capacity to make sure that what we vote for is actually happening in Oakland or Oklahoma.”
- Steny Hoyer, former House Majority Leader for the Democratic Party, USA
“Western democracies need a serious makeover to reconnect to their roots and deliver to citizens.”
- Margrethe Vestager, former Executive Vice-President, European Commission
“Our world has become much more interconnected. At the same time, our political institutions are getting older and slower in facing this global speed. That is a predicament Western democracies must confront.”
- Nadia Calviño, president of the European Investment Bank and former Deputy Prime Minister, Spain
““I do not want to idealize the past, but previous generations of politicians had greater experience of the real world. They were older and had come from the professions or academia or the trade union movement and there was around them more of an intellectual firmament. What’s the difference now? They’re younger and they have less diverse experience. They seem only to have been trained in politics.”
- Peter Mandelson, UK ambassador to the United States of America and former UK Labour Minister
Rebuilding Trust: Nine Ways Forward
While the findings are sobering, the analysis also proposes nine concrete steps to rebuild democratic capacity — from “policy test zones” and new civil service roles to AI-powered frontline feedback systems and the “IKEA rule” for policymaking. All aim to make political systems more agile, capable, and fit for the complex, cross-cutting challenges of the 21st century.
About the Book
The Puzzle State – How to Govern Wicked Problems in Western Democracies by Danish bestselling author, political scientist (PhD), TV host, and think tank director Sigge Winther Nielsen is based on over 100 high-level interviews and national data from five democracies. Contributors include Margrethe Vestager, Steny Hoyer, Peter Mandelson, Robert Habeck, Nadia Calviño, Vittorio Colao and other influential political voices.
Official international release: September 2025
Press Access
Media outlets can request exclusive access to the survey, interviews, or print excerpts. Sigge Winther Nielsen will also be available for in-person interviews in London from September 11 to 16th. and in October in Washington and New York. Read more about the survey, the book and author here - INVI - Institute for Wicked Problems.
Contact:
For access to data, interview requests or press materials, please contact:
Tine Maria Borresoe
Head of Press & Communication
INVI - Institute for Wicked Problems