I can’t speak for the rest of Europe, but you’re quite right about Britain. The level of ignorance about core issues is very high. Even that which is known tends to get smothered in self-interest. The only bright spot I can see is that the old tribal loyalties to the main political parties seem to be breaking down a bit.
HOWEVER, from what I have read, and from the comments on these boards, I don’t think the USA is in that much better a position. This is the weakness of any democratic system, a weakness that our enemies know only too well. A government by the people is dependent on the people taking an effective interest. If they cannot (or will not) bother to understand the issues, or can be deflected by temporary economic appeals, then the system begins to break down.
“the weakness of any democratic system”
And that’s why you’ll read conservatives talk up the difference between a democracy and a republic.
Democracy becomes populism, every time.
Populism becomes tyranny, every time.