Countries Losing Trust in the U.S.
Key Takeaways
- Trust in the United States has declined across all surveyed G7 and BRICs countries, with Canada showing the steepest drop at -52%.
- Major European allies including Italy, France, and Germany report declines between -15% and -21%.
- Public support for higher defense spending is rising in Europe, with 43% in France and 32% in Germany.
Global perceptions of the United States are shifting. Data from the Munich Security Conference shows a clear decline in trust across advanced and emerging economies.
This visualization, created in partnership with Inigo, provides visual context to these shifting perceptions and highlights where sentiment is changing fastest. These shifts reflect a broader reassessment of alliances in a more uncertain world.
Declining Trust Across Allies
Among traditional allies, the drop in trust is sharp. Canada records the steepest decline at -52%. Italy follows at -21%. France stands at -17%.
| Country | Trust in the United States (% change in perception) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | -13 |
| Italy | -21 |
| France | -17 |
| Japan | -16 |
| Brazil | -20 |
| India | -10 |
| Canada | -52 |
| Germany | -15 |
| South Africa | -21 |
| China | -9 |
Germany and Japan also show meaningful declines at -15% and -16%. The United Kingdom is down -13%. These are not isolated moves. They point to weakening confidence across long-standing partnerships.
Policy uncertainty is one key driver. Shifting trade positions and tariff threats have strained economic relationships. Rhetoric around territorial expansion has also raised concerns, including proposals to annex Greenland and suggestions that Canada could become the 51st state.
At the same time, security concerns are rising across Europe. A January 2026 Eurobarometer poll shows 43% of respondents in France and 32% in Germany support higher defense spending. This suggests allies are preparing for a more uncertain security environment.
Emerging Economies Reflect Similar Trends
The pattern extends beyond Western allies. Brazil and South Africa both decline by more than -20%. India and China show smaller but still negative shifts at -10% and -9%.
This suggests a broad reset in global sentiment. It is not driven by one region alone. Strategic uncertainty is rising across markets.
A Rocky Road Ahead
The data points to a more fragmented global landscape. Trust in the United States is declining across multiple regions. At the same time, countries are preparing for greater uncertainty.
Rising defense support in Europe reinforces this shift. Public sentiment is signaling change. Global alliances may be entering a new phase.
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