- According to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer, people have moved beyond polarization to “aggressive advocacy for self-interest.”
Trust in governments, business leaders and the media has devolved to the point where people feel angry, alienated and willing to drive change by almost any means possible, according to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer.
The annual global survey of more than 32,000 people in 28 countries found respondents have moved beyond polarization to what it describes as “aggressive advocacy for self-interest,” a finding reinforced by the fact that many voted for populist candidates in elections this past year.
The survey, now in its 25th year, finds a world in which average citizens feel the system is unfair and capitalism doesn’t work for them. Two-thirds of respondents said they are discriminated against, up 10 percentage points from last year, with the largest jump among whites in the U.S. (+14 points to 48%).
The sense of grievance against elites and institutions spans different age groups and political beliefs, with 69% of those on the left and 57% of those on the right holding moderate or high grievances, and 66% among the 55+ age group, vs. 58% for Gen Z. Two-thirds of respondents said that journalists, government officials and CEOs intentionally lie to them; the same percentage now find it difficult to differentiate between news from a reliable source and disinformation.
Economic fears played a large role in the results. In addition to continued inflation concerns and growing resentment of the rich, 62% of respondents said they fear job loss from AI and globalization. Only one-third of respondents believe that the next generation will be better off, with France at 9% and Germany at 14%. The lowest quartile by income has profoundly less trust in institutions than the top quartile, showing an increased mass-class divide that CEO Richard Edelman noted last year.
“We’re seeing a lot more nationalism and a lot more frankly questionable science and allegations about industries,” said Edelman in an interview last week. “For me, the most alarming statistic in this barometer has to do with Gen Z feeling so aggrieved that they sanction violence of one form or another.”
Indeed, 31% of Gen Z respondents believe that violence to persons or to property can be an appropriate way to bring about change. And 55% of 18-34-year-olds said they approve of violence, property damage or misinformation as tools for change. An even higher percentage said that capitalism does more harm than good.
As Edelman wrote in an opinion piece published last week in Fortune: “The most pressing need is to restore economic optimism. Our research tells us that when people see solutions, they’re more hopeful and willing to sacrifice for the greater good. When trust is earned, optimism grows.”
For a deeper discussion of the results, join Edelman and Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell in discussion with business leaders like Microsoft President Brad Smith, Suntory Holdings CEO Takeshi Niinami and Heineken chief Dolf van den Brink at the global virtual launch event of this year’s study on Jan. 21 from Davos.
