According to recent research, the United States and the United Kingdom have received the lowest confidence scores among the G7 countries.
A study conducted by Gallup revealed that when participants were asked about their confidence in each country, only 31 percent expressed confidence in the United States, while 33 percent expressed confidence in the United Kingdom. On the other hand, Germany and Canada ranked highest in terms of confidence, with 61 percent expressing confidence in Germany and 51 percent in Canada.
Interestingly, Germany and Canada were the only two countries where a majority of respondents expressed confidence. In France, 46 percent of respondents expressed confidence, followed by 43 percent in Japan and 41 percent in Italy.
The decline in confidence levels for both the United States and the United Kingdom among the G7 countries is significant when compared to two decades ago. In 2002, the United States and the United Kingdom had the highest levels of confidence at 56 percent and 49 percent, respectively.
Gallup pointed out that the trend of declining confidence in the United States aligns with recent years. In 2020, 46 percent of U.S. adults expressed confidence in the government. However, after President Biden took office, confidence levels dropped to 41 percent in 2021 and further declined to 31 percent in 2022.
In addition to the recent decline in confidence levels, the United States experienced other periods of low confidence in the past. Under former President Obama, confidence reached a low of 29 percent in 2013 and 30 percent in 2016. Similarly, under former President Trump, confidence hit a low of 31 percent in 2018.
Regarding the United Kingdom, Gallup suggests that turbulent years at Westminster, which included Brexit and high turnover rates in prime ministers, may have contributed to the low confidence levels among Britons. The poll further highlights a correlation between leadership approval ratings and confidence levels, indicating that 46 percent of respondents approved of U.K. leadership in 2022, while only 33 percent expressed confidence in the country.
Gallup’s research also reveals a significant drop in confidence in the U.K. among those who approve of its government from 61 percent in 2021 to 38 percent in 2022. This suggests a notable decline in confidence within a relatively short period.
