As Americans celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, they are expressing a declining belief in liberal democracy, a faltering faith in the country, rising antisemitism and reduced support for the state of Israel. Chillingly, these challenges show up most acutely among young Americans. How do these problems relate to one another, and what can be done to repair society?
In a 2023 YouGov poll, 31% of youth ages 18-29 agreed that “Democracy is no longer a viable system, and Americans should explore alternative forms of government” (compared to only 5% of those over 65). And a recent Democracy Fund poll found that while only 1 in 10 Baby Boomers described the Founders as closer to “villains” than “heroes,” 4 in 10 Gen Z respondents did.
On a parallel track, antisemitism is rising among the young. As far back as 1964, the Anti-Defamation League found that antisemitism was typically worse among older Americans than younger ones. In 2024, however, the ADL found for the first time that antisemitism was higher among younger adults. Another poll found that 11% of millennials and Gen Z Americans thought Jews caused the Holocaust; in New York State, the figure was 19%.
