Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Global Distrust Grows Amid Economic and AI Fears
A big survey by Edelman found that people around the world are becoming more distrustful of governments and big organizations.
This is because of problems like geopolitical tensions and economic worries.
The survey, which included 37,500 people from 28 countries, found that employers are now seen as the most trustworthy.
People feel safest discussing big issues like AI and globalization at work because there are rules there.
The survey also found that many people prefer to stick with what's familiar and are worried about being left behind by AI.
A lot of people are afraid that the next generation won't be better off.
The results were shared before the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, where experts are also worried about things like trade disputes and conflicts.
Global distrust in governments and institutions is growing due to geopolitical tensions and economic anxieties.
Employers are seen as the most credible brokers of trust, with the workplace being the safest space to discuss challenges like AI and globalization.
70% of respondents are unwilling to trust someone with different values or backgrounds, with 42% preferring to switch departments rather than work with such a person.
A majority of low-income workers fear being left behind by the AI revolution, and less than a third believe the next generation will be better off.
Overall faith in governments, business leaders, and the media changed little over the past year, with France seeing the largest drop in confidence.
- Who
- People across 28 countries
- What
- Growing distrust in governments and institutions, with employers emerging as the most trusted
- When
- Survey conducted October 23 - November 18, results released January 2026
- Where
- Global survey, results discussed in advance of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland
- Why
- To understand the erosion of confidence in institutions and the impact of geopolitical tensions and economic anxieties
- Survey Participants
- 37,500 respondents in 28 countries
- Survey Period
- October 23 - November 18
- Most Trusted Institution
- Employers
- Percentage Unwilling to Trust Differing Values
- 70%
- Percentage Preferring Department Switch Over Differing Values
- 42%
- Percentage Fearful of AI Revolution
- Majority of low-income workers
- Percentage Believing Next Generation Will Be Better Off
- Less than a third
Sources
AI adoption outpaces training; 71 pc of professionals expect role changes: Report
7 in 10 professionals expect job roles to change due to AI: Report
Distrust Reigns as ‘Me’ Supplants ‘We’ in Edelman Pre-Davos Poll
7 in 10 professionals expect job roles to change due to AI
