This report explores how ethnic, racial and religious identities shape trust in democracy across six countries. Drawing on a unique public perceptions survey, it shows that diversity is not inherently divisive but can become so when elites encourage fragmentation and institutions lack the strength to counter it. Importantly, dissatisfaction with specific institutions does not equate to rejecting democracy, and disaggregated data are essential for identifying inequalities that might otherwise remain hidden.

The country findings reveal contrasting patterns: Sierra Leone shows deep ethnic polarization, while Senegal’s civic identity has limited such divides. Brazil’s most visible cleavage is religious, Colombia’s stems from conflict and economic insecurity, India’s reflects minority experiences under majoritarian politics and the United States is marked more by partisan and geographic divides than by identity alone. Together, these insights highlight the need for inclusive reforms and robust institutions that earn the confidence of all citizens.