Key Takeaways
- US critique of globalization contrasts with broadly positive public perceptions: Political leaders, especially in the USA, are challenging globalization more openly, pushing for rewired or domestically oriented economic systems. However, the public in the USA and elsewhere largely continues to see globalization as something that benefits their lives.
- Negative views remain far below positive ones: Although negative sentiment increased slightly in 2025 (25%, up from 21% in 2019), it remains well below historical highs and well below the post-crisis peak in 2009 (32%).
- American public sentiment remains positive and consistent: Sentiment remains remarkably steady in the USA, with 59 percent saying globalization has a positive effect on themselves and their families.
At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered unusually sharp critiques of traditional globalization, openly questioning the value of the globalization model that has shaped global economics for decades. Their critiques signal a political reorientation, but not necessarily a public one.
When we look beyond the US rhetoric to the long arc of public sentiment, a very different picture emerges. Globally, the public has held a consistently positive view of globalization for nearly 20 years. The latest 2025 data show that 66 percent see globalization as positive for themselves and their families, essentially unchanged from pre‑pandemic levels and far above negative perceptions. The moments of real public doubt lie not in the present, but in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis when confidence reached its lowest point (50% positive vs 32% negative). Rather than an erosion of faith, the trend suggests a sustained belief that increased trade, investment, and global exchange bring tangible benefits to ordinary people. This resilience is especially notable when juxtaposed with the political skepticism voiced at Davos.
Looking at country‑level shifts since 2019, the most significant declines (5 points or more) are concentrated in advanced economies such as Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. These drops likely reflect domestic economic pressures, inflationary cycles, and political narratives that cast globalization as a source of vulnerability. In contrast, several emerging markets show substantial increases: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Türkiye all saw notable gains, underscoring a continued belief that global openness brings opportunity. Meanwhile, the USA stands out for its stability (59% positive in both 2019 and 2025), suggesting American public sentiment is far more consistent than official rhetoric might suggest.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Together, these findings highlight a widening gap between political rhetoric by the American administration and public attitudes. The criticisms raised at WEF 2026 do not reflect how most people view globalization in their own lives. For organizations and leaders, the message is clear: globalization still enjoys a strong public mandate. The task ahead is not to re‑justify its existence, but to improve it in ways that address fairness, resilience, and shared prosperity, ensuring that the system continues to deliver benefits people already believe in.
Survey Question: As you may know, there are both positive and negative impacts from the increasing globalization occurring in the world. By globalization, we mean the increased trade between countries in goods, services, and investment. Thinking of you and your family’s interests, do you think the overall effect of globalization is very positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative, or very negative?
Countries surveyed: Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, Türkiye, UK, and USA.
