A new survey shows that 80 per cent of Finns believe trust in society has weakened in recent years, with confidence in the United States falling to one of the lowest levels among major global powers.

The study, commissioned by SuomiAreena and the Nordic Council of Ministers and conducted by Verian, found that only 4 per cent of respondents believe the United States increases trust in the world. The figure places the US alongside China and India at 3 per cent and above Russia at 1 per cent.

The findings reflect a wider decline in confidence both domestically and internationally. At the same time, trust remains strongest in Finland’s own institutions and in cooperation with neighbouring Nordic countries.

The Finnish Defence Forces ranked as the most trusted institution, with 67 per cent of respondents expressing confidence. The president followed at 52 per cent and the police at 51 per cent. By contrast, only 3 per cent said political parties increase trust, while parliament and the prime minister scored 9 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

SuomiAreena chief executive Antti Lehtinen said recent crises have shaped public attitudes. “Crises such as the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, a weak economic situation and uncertainty combined with a polarised discussion culture are reflected in the results,” he said in a statement.

Trust in international actors showed a clear regional pattern. Nordic cooperation was viewed as a stabilising force, with 80 per cent saying it increases trust in society and 67 per cent pointing to Nordic countries themselves as strengthening confidence. A total of 84 per cent described the Nordic region as the best place to live.

Among international organisations, NATO ranked highest, with 44 per cent saying it increases trust. The European Union and the Nordic Council followed behind.

The survey also highlighted scepticism toward major global powers beyond the United States. China and India received similarly low trust scores, while Russia ranked lowest overall.

Domestically, social cohesion remains relatively strong despite broader concerns. Around 79 per cent of respondents said they trust other people, but 66 per cent reported frequent concern about the direction of social trust. Only 39 per cent expect trust to improve over the next five years.

The study also examined attitudes toward knowledge and technology. Finnish universities were widely seen as reliable, with 75 per cent expressing confidence in them as sources of information. Views on artificial intelligence were more cautious, with 26 per cent saying it will improve their lives within five years and 44 per cent expecting benefits for the country.

The results are based on responses from 1,024 people aged between 18 and 84, collected between February and March 2026. The margin of error is approximately 3.1 percentage points.

HT