Listen to the article
Global Survey Reveals Shifting Attitudes on World Security and International Influence
In the latest edition of the annual Ipsos World Affairs poll for the Halifax International Security Forum, global attitudes toward international conflicts and threats show significant shifts, particularly regarding the influence of major powers like the United States and China.
The comprehensive survey, conducted across 30 countries between September 19 and October 3, 2025, highlights growing concerns about disinformation and cybersecurity while revealing dramatic changes in how nations are perceived on the world stage.
Disinformation and cybersecurity remain top global concerns, with 77% of respondents identifying both the spread of disinformation to influence public opinion and being hacked for fraudulent or espionage purposes as real threats. These twin concerns have maintained their position as the leading global worries for the second consecutive year.
Canada continues its decade-long reign as the country most likely to have a positive influence on world affairs, with 80% of global respondents expressing confidence in its constructive international role. However, the United States has experienced a significant reputation decline, with positive perception dropping from 60% in 2024 to just 48% following Donald Trump’s election victory.
This “Trump slump” mirrors a similar pattern observed during his first administration. The decline has been particularly pronounced in Canada, where positive perception of U.S. influence plummeted by 28 percentage points to just 24%, making Canadians the least likely among all surveyed populations to view American influence positively.
China, meanwhile, is viewed as ascendant, with 46% of respondents identifying it as the country gaining the most influence on the world stage. The survey also reveals growing recognition of the rising influence of BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea), both at 31%, compared to just 18% for Western developed nations collectively.
Despite this shifting landscape, 58% of respondents believe the United States will return to its traditional global role after Trump’s term ends, suggesting many view the current changes as temporary rather than permanent.
The survey also explored attitudes toward national defense and military service. A strong majority (83%) consider maintaining robust defense capabilities important even during peacetime, while 60% believe their governments should increase military spending given global threats. However, opinions on mandatory military service vary widely across regions, with support ranging from 76% in Malaysia to just 17% in Japan, averaging 52% globally.
Global pessimism continues to rise, with only 33% of respondents believing more things are getting better than worse – a significant decline from 47% when the question was first asked in 2017. Nonetheless, the proportion of people who believe the world is becoming more dangerous has actually decreased slightly to 79%, down from a peak of 86% in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The reputation rankings of global powers reveal interesting patterns. After Canada, respondents ranked their own country (76%), Germany (73%), the European Union (70%), France (70%), and Great Britain (68%) as the most positive influences on world affairs. At the bottom of the list are Iran and Israel (tied at 25%), Pakistan (28%), Russia (32%), and CRINK countries collectively (33%).
This annual survey, which included over 23,500 adults across diverse nations, provides valuable insights into how global perceptions are evolving amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, technological threats, and leadership changes in major world powers.
As countries navigate these complex dynamics, the findings suggest that soft power and international reputation remain significant factors in global influence, even as economic and military capabilities continue to shift among world powers.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
22 Comments
The survey findings underscore the complex geopolitical landscape we’re navigating. Maintaining strong, trusted international institutions will be vital to tackling disinformation and cyber threats effectively.
Absolutely. Restoring faith in global governance and upholding democratic values should be at the forefront of the international agenda.
The survey findings highlight how rapidly the geopolitical landscape is shifting. I’m curious to see if the trends identified, like the rise of Canada’s influence, continue in the coming years.
Yes, it will be interesting to monitor these evolving global dynamics and the relative influence of different nations. Transparent and accountable international cooperation is key.
Disinformation and hacking are indeed serious security threats that undermine public trust. It’s concerning to see the U.S. global standing declining, as strong international cooperation is crucial to addressing these challenges effectively.
Agreed. Protecting against cyber threats and combating the spread of false information should be top priorities for policymakers around the world.
Disinformation and hacking pose real dangers, especially as the U.S. global standing declines. Boosting cybersecurity and combating misinformation should be urgent priorities for policymakers.
Absolutely. Safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the integrity of information are essential for maintaining international peace and stability.
The decline in U.S. global standing is troubling, but the rise of Canada’s positive influence is an encouraging sign. Addressing disinformation and cybersecurity threats will require sustained, collaborative efforts.
Yes, it’s heartening to see countries like Canada stepping up to play a more constructive role on the world stage. Fostering such principled leadership will be crucial.
The survey findings underscore the need for robust, multilateral efforts to address disinformation and cybersecurity threats. Maintaining strong, trusted international institutions will be vital in this endeavor.
I agree. Restoring faith in global governance and upholding democratic principles should be at the forefront of the international agenda.
It’s concerning to see the U.S. global standing declining, especially as disinformation and hacking emerge as leading security threats. Restoring faith in international institutions and upholding democratic values will be crucial going forward.
Absolutely. Tackling these complex challenges will require a coordinated, multinational approach that brings together governments, tech companies, and civil society.
The survey paints a troubling picture of the global landscape, with disinformation and cyber threats posing significant risks. Strengthening international cooperation and resilience in these areas is essential for maintaining peace and stability.
I agree. Protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding democratic processes, and ensuring the free flow of accurate information should be top priorities for the international community.
The findings on the U.S. global standing and the rise of threats like disinformation and hacking are deeply concerning. Restoring faith in international institutions and upholding democratic values will be crucial going forward.
Absolutely. Rebuilding trust and credibility on the world stage should be a key focus for policymakers, alongside concrete actions to address these emerging security challenges.
This survey underscores the urgency of tackling disinformation and hacking, which pose grave risks to global security and stability. Strengthening international cooperation and resilience in these areas should be a top priority.
I agree. Protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding democratic processes, and ensuring the integrity of information will require a coordinated, multinational response.
It’s concerning to see disinformation and hacking emerging as top global security threats, especially as the U.S. influence wanes. Strengthening international cooperation and resilience in these areas is crucial.
I agree. Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated, multilateral approach that brings together governments, tech companies, and civil society.