Key facts
- A global poll shows rising trust in international institutions but less comfort with US or China leadership.
- 57% of respondents favor global cooperation on challenges, even with national interest compromises.
- Canada, Japan, and Australia are preferred for leadership roles over the US and China.
- Trust in the World Health Organization increased to 69% from 61%.
- Nearly 70% of those surveyed believe the world has worsened in the past year.
A global survey of over 35,000 individuals across 34 countries, conducted between July 21 and August 5, reveals a complex global sentiment. While support for international cooperation and trust in global institutions are on the rise, there is a notable discomfort with both the United States and China assuming leadership roles, with many viewing them as threats. The poll, commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation, was released ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.
Nearly 70% of respondents expressed a grim outlook, stating that the world had worsened over the past year. Economic optimism is also down, particularly in India and China. Despite this pessimism, a majority (57%) believe countries should cooperate to solve global challenges, even at the expense of some national interests, an increase from the previous year.
The survey highlights a preference for middle powers in global leadership. Canada emerged as the most comfortable option for a leading role at 60%, followed by Japan (58%) and Australia (55%). The European Union and Britain also received high marks. In contrast, only 39% were comfortable with the US taking a leading role, and 37% with China, while Russia garnered the least comfort at 26%.
Trust in international organizations has seen significant gains. The World Health Organization's trust score rose to 69% from 61%, and the UN's to 62% from 58%. The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and International Criminal Court, all of which received failing grades last year, also saw substantial increases in trust. The World Trade Organization's score improved to 57% from 50%.
Views on threats varied, with 42% identifying Russia as a major threat, compared to 34% for the US and 30% for China, when excluding respondents' own countries. The US was seen as the greatest threat in 15 countries, while Russia was the most named concern in 14 countries, primarily in Europe. Eric Pelofsky, vice president of the Rockefeller Foundation, noted the results reflect a "deep erosion in global leadership" for the United States, suggesting a shift in global dynamics where other nations are no longer solely looking to the US for solutions.