Flagship newsletter icon
From Semafor Flagship
In your inbox, every weekday
Sign up

Global survey finds sinking trust in US, Chinese leadership

Sep 16, 2026, 6:44pm EDT
PostEmailWhatsapp
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Yves Herman/Reuters

Concerted Canada-EU efforts to deepen ties reflect a global order accommodating itself to a more unpredictable — and less potent — US.

The European Commission’s president called for the bloc to “reimagine our partnerships,” underscoring a pivot to building consensus among “middle powers,” Politico wrote.

European fears are “no longer simply about Washington’s willingness to exercise global leadership,” a historian argued in Grand Continent, but “whether, after decades of institutional erosion, the [US] will continue to possess the military capacity to do so.”

A new poll found rising trust in multilateral institutions, and less comfort with the US (and China) as global leaders. When discussing solutions to global ​problems people “are no longer asking ⁠what do the Americans think,” the survey’s commissioner said.

Chart of comfort with countries playing a leading role in world affairs
AD