The 2026 NIRA Data global public opinion survey, conducted across 85 countries from March to April 2026 and commissioned by the Alliance of Democracies, reveals a dramatic shift in global perceptions of the world’s great powers—particularly the United States, China, and Russia. This survey highlights a steep decline in the global favorability of the United States and a relative rise in the positive image of China and, to a lesser extent, Russia.
– The decline in US global image:
Within just three years, the United States has lost its traditionally dominant position in terms of global soft power. Whereas in 2023 most countries held positive views of both the U.S. and China, today the majority see China more favorably than the U.S.
The worsening U.S. image is primarily linked to the return of Donald Trump to the presidency and his domestic and foreign policies, which have negatively influenced worldwide perceptions. This decline is the main factor making China and Russia appear relatively more positive.
The U.S. remains a global superpower in terms of economic, military, and political power, but its erosion of global trust and favorability is significant. This decline may lead countries to hedge their alliances, reduce dependency on the U.S., and seek diversified partnerships.
– China’s Improved Perception:
China’s global image has increased from predominantly negative to an overall positive perception on average. This improvement has occurred despite previous setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic crackdowns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. In developed countries, perceptions of China have become less negative but remain below positive. In developing countries, China’s image remains positive but has somewhat softened compared to before.
The improved perception in developed countries versus the slight softening in developing countries suggests a complex global information environment. Reduced media focus on China may have contributed to a more neutral or slightly improved global impression.
– Russia’s Perception:
Russia’s image remains mostly negative but has improved from its low point following the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Russia is now perceived more positively globally than the U.S., highlighting the severity of the U.S. decline.
If these trends continue, especially with two more years of Trump presidency expected, the U.S. could face diminished international influence. China is likely to be one of the primary beneficiaries of this shift in global public opinion. Countries with the capacity are expected to formulate “Plan B” strategies to decrease exposure to the U.S., which could reshape geopolitical dynamics.
AccessTheMainframe on
Trust in the US has fallen most rapidly in the people with eyes demographic.
hibikir_40k on
The idea of establishing a Casus Belli is old enough that it’s in latin. Even in the middle ages nobles got into trouble for taking aggressive actions without good excuses. The US has acted like a bully that is actually just thinking of their own commercial interests over and over again, but typically there was some effort to get a believable excuse, and have an ally or three that agree with you before you start.
Just like cryptobros get to relearn the value of banking regulations. America now gets to see what happens when you abandon any pretense to get any justification for your actions. Other people stop liking you and trusting you. Nobody should be shocked that being liked and trusted has significant material value in itself. And this isn’t the first time: One cannot blame things on a rogue president when they get elected twice.
TF_dia on
Honestly the fact the DP is a normal party with normal politics makes the contrast of the sheer loud insanity of the GOP even more Prominent.
Having a country going loudly insane literally overnight (Again) can be more shocking than the low-key evilness of the CCP (As in, you don’t see Xi screaming in all-caps what his next evil act will be in his personal Social Media Platform)
That and the fact he was re-elected, one is an anomaly, two is a pattern.
moldovaman99 on
Tbf, from the European perspective, the US is just scary because of the influence they have that we never even thought would ever be weaponised.
China just isn’t that much of a threat to Europe. Europe has hedged itself decently well against a China that uses its supply chain powers to cause harm. The US is just an entirely different can of worms.
5 Comments
Submission Statement:
The 2026 NIRA Data global public opinion survey, conducted across 85 countries from March to April 2026 and commissioned by the Alliance of Democracies, reveals a dramatic shift in global perceptions of the world’s great powers—particularly the United States, China, and Russia. This survey highlights a steep decline in the global favorability of the United States and a relative rise in the positive image of China and, to a lesser extent, Russia.
– The decline in US global image:
Within just three years, the United States has lost its traditionally dominant position in terms of global soft power. Whereas in 2023 most countries held positive views of both the U.S. and China, today the majority see China more favorably than the U.S.
The worsening U.S. image is primarily linked to the return of Donald Trump to the presidency and his domestic and foreign policies, which have negatively influenced worldwide perceptions. This decline is the main factor making China and Russia appear relatively more positive.
The U.S. remains a global superpower in terms of economic, military, and political power, but its erosion of global trust and favorability is significant. This decline may lead countries to hedge their alliances, reduce dependency on the U.S., and seek diversified partnerships.
– China’s Improved Perception:
China’s global image has increased from predominantly negative to an overall positive perception on average. This improvement has occurred despite previous setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic crackdowns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. In developed countries, perceptions of China have become less negative but remain below positive. In developing countries, China’s image remains positive but has somewhat softened compared to before.
The improved perception in developed countries versus the slight softening in developing countries suggests a complex global information environment. Reduced media focus on China may have contributed to a more neutral or slightly improved global impression.
– Russia’s Perception:
Russia’s image remains mostly negative but has improved from its low point following the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Russia is now perceived more positively globally than the U.S., highlighting the severity of the U.S. decline.
If these trends continue, especially with two more years of Trump presidency expected, the U.S. could face diminished international influence. China is likely to be one of the primary beneficiaries of this shift in global public opinion. Countries with the capacity are expected to formulate “Plan B” strategies to decrease exposure to the U.S., which could reshape geopolitical dynamics.
Trust in the US has fallen most rapidly in the people with eyes demographic.
The idea of establishing a Casus Belli is old enough that it’s in latin. Even in the middle ages nobles got into trouble for taking aggressive actions without good excuses. The US has acted like a bully that is actually just thinking of their own commercial interests over and over again, but typically there was some effort to get a believable excuse, and have an ally or three that agree with you before you start.
Just like cryptobros get to relearn the value of banking regulations. America now gets to see what happens when you abandon any pretense to get any justification for your actions. Other people stop liking you and trusting you. Nobody should be shocked that being liked and trusted has significant material value in itself. And this isn’t the first time: One cannot blame things on a rogue president when they get elected twice.
Honestly the fact the DP is a normal party with normal politics makes the contrast of the sheer loud insanity of the GOP even more Prominent.
Having a country going loudly insane literally overnight (Again) can be more shocking than the low-key evilness of the CCP (As in, you don’t see Xi screaming in all-caps what his next evil act will be in his personal Social Media Platform)
That and the fact he was re-elected, one is an anomaly, two is a pattern.
Tbf, from the European perspective, the US is just scary because of the influence they have that we never even thought would ever be weaponised.
China just isn’t that much of a threat to Europe. Europe has hedged itself decently well against a China that uses its supply chain powers to cause harm. The US is just an entirely different can of worms.