Key Takeaways– The 2026 Democracy Perception Index surveyed over 23,000 people in 84–98 countries, revealing stark global attitudes toward the United States and China.
- A majority of respondents in 65 of 84 nations identified the U.S. as the biggest threat to world stability.
- Only four of 97 surveyed nations openly welcomed U.S. military bases, while 86 rejected them.
- The U.S. enjoys a net‑negative perception in 74 % of countries, whereas China is viewed favorably in 63 of 83 nations.
- Global opinion backs Iran over the U.S. in the hypothetical conflict, and a slight majority supports Palestine over Israel.
- Optimism about national direction is highest in China, while many Western and African nations report low confidence.
Scope and Methodology of the Survey
The 2026 Democracy Perception Index, produced by the Alliance of Democracies, gathered responses from more than 23,000 participants across 84 to 98 countries. The study asked respondents to name the nation they regarded as the “biggest threat to the world,” to indicate whether they wanted U.S. military bases on their soil, and to weigh in on U.S. actions against Iran, the Israel‑Palestine conflict, and national direction. The Alliance, founded by former NATO Secretary‑General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, receives funding from a diverse set of sources, including European governmental bodies, major U.S. corporations, and think‑tanks such as the Atlas Network and Freedom House. Despite these affiliations, the organization describes itself as non‑partisan, and its data illustrate a shift in global sentiment that challenges traditional U.S. hegemony.
Global Perception of the United States as a Threat
When asked to identify the primary threat, 65 of the 84 countries polled named the United States. Only ten countries—most of them in Europe—pointed to Russia, while seven in West Asia and North Africa named Israel, and Japan singled out China. This pattern underscores a widespread belief, especially outside of Europe and North America, that U.S. foreign policy poses a destabilizing influence. The findings reflect a perception that American military engagements and geopolitical maneuvering are viewed as a source of insecurity rather than stability.
Support for U.S. Military Bases Worldwide
The survey also examined acceptance of U.S. military installations on sovereign territory. Out of 97 nations queried, 86 responded negatively, indicating rejection of any U.S. basing rights. Only four countries—Israel, Poland, Puerto Rico, and South Korea—expressed clear support. This limited approval highlights the reluctance of most states to host U.S. forces, even among traditional allies, and suggests that strategic partnership expectations are being reevaluated in light of perceived threats from American power.
Declining Popularity of the United States
Further analysis revealed that the United States registers a net‑negative perception in 74 % of the surveyed countries. Positive views are largely confined to a handful of states such as Israel, the Dominican Republic, Georgia, and Nigeria. The U.S. faces the greatest disapproval in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asia‑Pacific region. These numbers illustrate a pronounced erosion of American soft power, with public opinion turning increasingly hostile toward U.S. institutions and actions.
Rising Favorability of China Across Regions
In contrast to the waning regard for the United States, China enjoys growing popularity. The index found that 63 of 83 nations prefer China over the U.S., a trend especially pronounced in West Asia, North Africa, Sub‑Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Asia‑Pacific. The report notes that U.S. favorability remains highest only in Israel, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Ukraine, describing these as “exceptions.” China’s ascendancy is attributed to perceived non‑interventionist policies, economic development initiatives, and a narrative of multipolar balance that resonates with many developing nations.
International Views on U.S. Actions Against Iran
When respondents were asked to choose sides in a hypothetical war between the United States and Iran—conducted in the survey’s timeframe—41 of the 98 participating countries aligned with Iran, while 28 backed the U.S., and the remaining 29 offered no clear stance. This distribution underscores a global reluctance to endorse American military aggression, particularly in the volatile Middle Eastern context, and reflects a broader desire for diplomatic solutions over unilateral action.
Global Stance on the Israel‑Palestine Conflict
The survey also probed support for either Israel or Palestine. A slight majority of the 98 countries surveyed expressed sympathy for Palestine, with only 17 favoring Israel. Israel’s strongest backing came from Ukraine, the United States, the Dominican Republic, Georgia, and Panama. These results illustrate a growing international alignment with the Palestinian narrative, further eroding unconditional Western support for Israeli policies.
Optimism Levels and Regional Trends
Finally, the index measured national optimism about the direction of each respondent’s country. China topped the list, with the highest proportion of citizens expressing confidence in their nation’s trajectory. The only countries in the Western Hemisphere where a majority reported optimism were El Salvador and Nicaragua. Conversely, optimism was lowest in France, Puerto Rico, Lebanon, Germany, and Nigeria. This pattern suggests that China’s domestic narrative of progress is resonating globally, while many traditional allies grapple with internal doubts about their own paths forward.
Conclusion
The 2026 Democracy Perception Index provides a comprehensive snapshot of shifting global attitudes, revealing a world in which the United States is increasingly viewed as a threat and China enjoys growing favorability. The data point to a multipolar transition, wherein traditional alliances are being renegotiated, and public opinion plays an expanding role in shaping international relations. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of global power and legitimacy.