Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Poll finds rising trust in global institutions, weaker U.S. leadership
A new worldwide poll asked more than 35,000 people about the state of the world.
Many people said the world had become worse over the past year.
Even so, more people trusted international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations than last year.
A majority said countries should work together, even when they must give up some national wishes.
But many people were not comfortable with the United States or China leading the world.
Canada, Japan and Australia were viewed more positively as possible leaders.
People were also worried about the economy, with only 38% expecting their national economies to improve.
Russia, the United States and China were all named as threats by some respondents, with Russia often receiving the most concern.
A poll of more than 35,000 people in 34 countries found rising trust in international institutions.
Nearly 70% said the world had become worse over the past year, while only 38% expected their economies to improve.
Fifty-seven percent supported international cooperation even when it requires compromising national interests.
Respondents were more comfortable with Canada, Japan and Australia leading global affairs than with the United States or China.
Russia was viewed as a major threat by 42% of respondents, compared with 34% for the United States and 30% for China.
- Who
- More than 35,000 people surveyed across 34 countries, along with international institutions and major powers assessed by respondents.
- What
- A poll found rising trust in international institutions, strong support for global cooperation and declining comfort with the United States or China leading the world.
- When
- The survey was conducted from July 21 to August 5 and released ahead of the next United Nations General Assembly.
- Where
- The survey covered 34 countries and the United Nations General Assembly was scheduled in New York.
- Why
- The poll examined views on global cooperation, leadership, economic prospects, security and international threats amid war, tariffs, inflation and other global turmoil.
Global cooperation and institutions
National interests and major-power concerns
Working together internationally
Global cooperation and institutions
Fifty-seven percent said countries should cooperate on global challenges even if doing so requires compromising some national interests.
National interests and major-power concerns
The survey found that many respondents were uncomfortable with leadership by the United States or China, and 61% supported cooperation without either country participating.
Views of global leadership
Global cooperation and institutions
Respondents showed greater comfort with Canada, Japan, Australia, the European Union, Britain and the United Nations taking leading roles.
National interests and major-power concerns
Comfort was lower for the United States, China and Russia, while views also differed sharply between developing and wealthier countries.
- Survey scope
- More than 35,000 people in 34 countries
- Economic outlook
- Only 38% expected their national economies to improve over the next five years
- Global cooperation
- 57% supported countries cooperating even when it requires compromising national interests
- Most trusted institution
- Trust in the World Health Organization rose to 69% from 61%
- Preferred global leader
- Canada received 60% comfort, followed by Japan at 58% and Australia at 55%
- United States leadership
- 39% were comfortable with the United States taking a leading global role
- China leadership
- 37% were comfortable with China taking a leading global role
- Major threats
- Russia was cited by 42%, the United States by 34% and China by 30% as major threats