Eight decades after the end of World War II, a CGTN poll of 11,913 respondents in 40 countries shows a broad consensus in defense of the results of winning the war and the post-war order with the UN at its center.
According to the findings, 62.1 % respondents consider the protection of these results to be crucial for stability - a view that prevails in 39 countries. At the same time, 67.9 % agree that the UN-based system is at the heart of the post-war order, a view supported by respondents in all 40 countries surveyed. In the G7 countries, support is lower at 52.5 % and 62.8 %.
However, concerns about the erosion of the post-war order are significant: 58 % of survey participants believe it is being undermined, and 58.9 % identified the United States as the main disruptor. Criticism of U.S. policy is widespread: 64.8 % say U.S. protectionism harms free trade, 65.5 % note that technology embargoes hinder the free flow of talent, 67.9 % accuse U.S. withdrawals from international agreements of undermining multilateralism, and 67 % believe that withholding contributions to the UN and abusing the veto undermine the organization's authority.
Dissatisfaction is most pronounced in countries in the Global South, such as Indonesia, Kenya, Russia, Malaysia, Mexico, Serbia, Tanzania, Thailand, and Turkey, where more than 70 % respondents reject U.S. actions in several areas. Criticism is also evident in the G7 countries: 72.7 % Italians accuse the US of blocking multilateralism, 69.7 % disapprove of restrictions on talent movement, and majorities in France, the UK and Canada blame the US for mistakes in trade and foreign policy.
The survey also shows optimism about the rise of new powers. Globally, 46.5 % of respondents see their rise as positive for the maintenance of the post-war order. This view found majority support in 26 countries - including Kenya, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Spain and South Korea - which together account for 65 % of all countries surveyed.
The results underscore the global call for true multilateralism: dialogue instead of confrontation, partnerships instead of bloc alliances, and a win-win approach instead of zero-sum games. Respondents highlight that addressing today's deficits in peace, development, security and governance requires respect for the UN Charter, international law and rules that respect the legitimate interests of all parties.
The survey was conducted jointly by CGTN TV and the Institute of International Communication of Renmin University of China's New Era and included both developed countries and countries in the Global South. The selection of respondents matched the age and gender structure according to national censuses.
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