Among Central Asian citizens, China now holds a more favorable image than the United States, according to a comprehensive survey of political attitudes. The survey bills itself as the ‘world’s largest annual study on how people perceive democracy.’ The 2025 edition features data collected from over 111,000 respondents in 100 countries worldwide, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The results demonstrate that belief in democracy’s potential to ensure stability and prosperity remains strong, but public confidence in governments to build or maintain successful democratic frameworks is declining. ‘Citizens are particularly dissatisfied with government performance on the cost of living, poverty reduction, and affordable housing – issues that directly impact their daily lives,’ according to an analysis accompanying the index. ‘The widespread perception of underperformance highlights a growing gap between democratic ideals and the practical outcomes many citizens expect, but feel are not being met.’

Central Asian respondents are clear-eyed in measuring the state of democratic practices in their respective countries, which registered the lowest democratization scores in the Asia-Pacific region among participating nations. Respondents in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan gave their governments poor evaluations in terms of upholding basic freedoms. They also offered critical assessments of government policies in the rule of law category, as well as transparency, separation of powers, and freedom of speech. Central Asian survey-takers found themselves in the mainstream of a trend that has seen China eclipse the United States in terms of public perception. ‘Global perceptions of the world’s major powers are shifting,’ the index states. ‘In 2022 and 2023, the average perception of the United States was more positive than negative, and significantly more positive than either Russia or China. But by 2025, global opinion has flipped.’

The 2025 survey shows China as the only global power with a net positive image. In a head-to-head comparison of perceptions, Central Asian respondents held a significantly more favorable view of China than the United States. Even a very slight majority of respondents from some US allies and neighbors – including Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, and Italy – expressed a preference for China. The United States’ ‘global net perception rating’ has nosedived, plummeting from +22 percent in 2024 to -5 percent early this year. Canada and many European Union states had the largest ‘net perception’ swings from positive to negative. A slight majority of Kazakhs and Kyrgyz expressed a positive view toward the United States in the 2025 survey, while Uzbekistan had a net negative view. A slight majority of US citizens had a negative view of the US government’s ability ‘to deliver on democratic principles.’

In ranking world leaders, 82 of the 100 countries participating in the survey had a net negative view of President Trump, markedly higher than Russia’s Vladimir Putin at 61 percent, or China’s Xi Jinping at 44 percent. The survey also found that people around the world define democracy in sharply different terms. In 52 countries, a majority of respondents said the main purpose of a democratic system was to improve living standards. Only 35 countries had majorities that prioritized free elections and the protection of individual liberties, while in 13 states, respondents felt democracy’s chief responsibility was facilitating peace and social justice. This shift in global opinion reflects a growing disillusionment with established powers and a renewed focus on tangible results within democratic systems. The survey underscores a critical juncture in international relations, demanding a reassessment of how nations are perceived and the values underpinning global governance. The data reveals a complex interplay of factors, including economic performance, social inequality, and the perceived legitimacy of political leadership, all contributing to the evolving narrative surrounding major global powers. Further investigation into the specific methodologies and weighting factors employed in the survey is warranted to fully understand the nuances of these shifting perceptions. Ultimately, the findings highlight the importance of responsive governance and the need for democratic institutions to demonstrably address the concerns and aspirations of their citizens. The ongoing trend toward prioritizing social and economic well-being over abstract democratic ideals suggests a fundamental re-evaluation of what constitutes a successful and legitimate democratic system in the 21st century.