Trust in global institutions rises, less in US leadership: Poll

A recent poll of over 35,000 individuals across 34 countries revealed an increase in trust in global institutions and a decline in confidence in the United States' leadership, while also expressing less confidence in China's leadership. The poll, commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation and conducted from July 21 to August 5, indicated that nearly 70% of respondents believed the world had worsened over the past year.

Only 38% of those surveyed expected their national economies to improve within the next five years, with optimism dropping 26 percentage points in India and 16 points in China.

Despite the widespread pessimism, 57% of respondents supported countries cooperating to address global challenges like security, even if it meant compromising on some national interests - an increase from last year's 55%. The poll, released ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, came after nearly seven months of war in the Middle East, which disrupted global energy markets, reduced economic growth, and increased inflation.

The conflict, initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran and subsequently expanded to Lebanon, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, contributed to the global downside.

When asked about global leadership, the poll found that only 39% of respondents were comfortable with the United States taking a leading role, while 37% felt the same about China. Russia garnered the least support, with just 26% comfortable with its leadership. Canada, Japan, and Australia led in comfort levels for taking a global leadership role, with 60%, 58%, and 55%, respectively.

The European Union and Britain followed, with 55% and 54%, respectively. The United Nations was viewed favorably, with 52% comfortable with its leadership.

Notably, trust in international institutions improved over the past year. Trust in the World Health Organization rose to 69% from 61%, the UN's score increased to 62% from 58%, the World Bank gained 9 points to 55%, the International Monetary Fund improved to 51% from 43%, and the International Criminal Court gained 6 points to 54%.

These gains contrasted with the previous year's failing grades for the World Bank, IMF, and ICC. The survey also revealed a significant gap in comfort levels between developing and advanced economies, with 53% of developing countries comfortable with China, compared to only 23% in wealthier nations. Russia was seen as a major threat by 42% of respondents, while the U.S. and China were viewed as such by 34% and 30%, respectively.