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Global Security Poll Shows Rising Concerns About Disinformation, Shifting World Influence
A comprehensive annual survey by Ipsos for the Halifax International Security Forum reveals growing concerns about disinformation and cyber threats while documenting significant shifts in global influence, with Canada maintaining its position as the world’s most positive influencer and the United States experiencing a sharp decline in global reputation.
The survey, conducted across 30 countries with over 23,500 respondents, found that 77% of people worldwide consider disinformation aimed at influencing public opinion to be a significant threat. This concern tied with fears about hacking for fraud or espionage purposes, marking the second consecutive year these issues topped global security concerns.
Canada continues to dominate perceptions of positive influence, with 80% of respondents believing it will have a constructive impact on world affairs over the next decade. This marks the tenth consecutive year Canada has held the top position in the survey. Following Canada in positive perception are respondents’ own countries (76%), Germany (73%), the European Union (70%), France (70%), and Great Britain (68%).
The United States, meanwhile, has experienced a dramatic decline in its global standing. Only 48% of respondents now believe America will have a positive influence on world affairs, down 12 percentage points from last year’s survey, which was conducted before Donald Trump’s election victory. The drop was particularly steep in Canada, where positive perception of U.S. influence plummeted by 28 points to just 24%.
The U.S. reputation decline mirrors a similar pattern during Trump’s first term (2017-2021). A newly added question in the survey reveals that only 28% believe America is currently gaining influence globally, while 32% think it is losing influence – the highest percentage among all countries assessed. However, 58% of respondents expect the U.S. to return to its traditional global role after Trump’s term ends.
In contrast, China (46%) is now perceived as the country gaining the most influence on the world stage. The BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea), both at 31%, are also seen as gaining more influence than Western developed nations (18%).
Iran and Israel tied for the lowest positive perception at 25% each. The polling was conducted between September 19 and October 3, 2025, shortly after the announcement of a Gaza peace plan. Pakistan (28%), Russia (32%), CRINK countries (33%), and Saudi Arabia (45%) round out the countries with the lowest positive influence ratings.
The survey also revealed strong global support for national defense capabilities, with 83% agreeing that maintaining strong defense forces is important even during peacetime. However, attitudes toward mandatory military service vary significantly, with 52% globally supporting such requirements for young people. Support ranges dramatically by country, from 76% in Malaysia to just 17% in Japan.
Global pessimism has increased markedly since the survey began in 2017. Only 33% of respondents now believe more things are getting better than worse, down 14 percentage points from 2017. Despite this growing pessimism, fear levels have moderated somewhat from their peak in 2022, when 86% thought the world was becoming more dangerous following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That figure has now dropped to 79%.
The findings highlight an increasingly complex global security environment where information warfare and cyber threats are perceived as equally dangerous as traditional security challenges. They also document a significant realignment of global influence away from Western powers toward China and emerging economic blocs, raising important questions about future international cooperation on security issues.
The survey’s results suggest that while citizens worldwide acknowledge the importance of military preparedness, they remain divided on how to implement defense strategies and distribute responsibilities among their populations.
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12 Comments
The findings on disinformation and hacking are very concerning. Protecting democratic processes and critical infrastructure from malign actors should be a top priority for all nations.
Absolutely. Bolstering cybersecurity, information resilience, and international coordination will be key to mitigating these evolving threats.
The findings on disinformation and hacking threats are quite alarming. Reliable information and cybersecurity defenses are crucial for maintaining global stability and public faith in institutions.
I agree. Combating these issues will require a coordinated, multilateral approach leveraging both technological and diplomatic solutions.
Concerning to see the rise in disinformation and cyber threats globally. Canada’s positive global influence is encouraging, but the sharp decline in America’s reputation is worrying. We need robust international cooperation to tackle these complex security challenges.
Absolutely. Safeguarding democratic institutions and public trust should be a top priority for nations worldwide.
Canada’s positive global standing is commendable, but the US decline is worrying. Restoring faith in American institutions and leadership will be essential for addressing shared security challenges.
Agreed. The US must take a hard look at its domestic and foreign policy to regain global trust and influence.
Canada’s consistent ranking as a positive global influence is encouraging, but the US decline is concerning. Restoring America’s reputation and global leadership role should be a key priority.
Agreed. The US will need to take concrete steps to address domestic divisions and rebuild trust with allies and partners worldwide.
The rise in disinformation and cyber threats is deeply troubling. Safeguarding democratic processes and public discourse must be a top global security imperative.
Well said. Robust international cooperation and a renewed focus on digital hygiene and media literacy are crucial to counter these threats.