Global Institutions Gain Public Trust as Confidence in Major-Power Leadership Faces Questions

A new international survey covering more than 35,000 people worldwide has found continued support for global cooperation and rising confidence in international institutions. At the same time, the survey indicates greater caution among respondents toward the United States and China taking dominant leadership roles in world affairs.

The findings come at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty, with governments dealing with armed conflicts, trade tensions, economic fragmentation, technological competition and disagreements over international rules.

The survey suggests that many people continue to see cooperation between countries as important despite growing tensions between major powers. International institutions remain part of that cooperation framework, particularly on issues that cross national borders.

However, attitudes toward major-power leadership are more complicated. The survey found that respondents were less comfortable with either the United States or China taking a leading role globally, while some respondents also identified both countries as potential sources of risk.

The findings are significant because international cooperation is facing pressure on several fronts. The World Trade Organization has separately warned that the global trade system is at a critical juncture, with geopolitical tensions, changing economic power and increased government intervention challenging existing trade rules.

Security concerns have also become more prominent. A recent UN Global Risk Report found that large-scale war had risen sharply in the ranking of perceived global risks among experts from governments, international organizations, business, academia and civil society.

The survey does not provide a single worldwide view on how international leadership should operate, and attitudes vary considerably across countries and regions. Instead, it offers a snapshot of public sentiment at a moment when the international system is undergoing significant changes.

The results underline the continuing importance of international cooperation while showing that public attitudes toward the role of major powers remain complex.