Friends like us? Support for democracy and the perception of great power

Amid democratic backsliding, the resurgence of authoritarianism in Africa, and the expanding influence of authoritarian great powers, this study examines how pro-democracy citizens perceive the United States, the European Union, China, and Russia. Rather than focusing on how great powers shape democratic trajectories in the Global South, it shifts attention to how pro-democracy publics evaluate these external actors. The findings show that pro-democracy citizens in South Africa view the influence of Russia and China negatively, while viewing the United States and the European Union more positively. Notably, the European Union is perceived more favourably than the United States. In contrast, citizens more receptive to authoritarianism tend to view Russia and China positively, though these patterns are more nuanced. More broadly, pro-democracy citizens appear less receptive to authoritarian external influence than their counterparts who are receptive to authoritarianism and may actively contest such influence through domestic political discourse. When authoritarian powers are viewed negatively by pro-democracy publics, these perceptions shape not only bilateral relations but also the broader resilience of democracy.