Americans Rank Politics as Top Safety Threat at 10%, 10 Times Global Average
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 22
Americans Rank Politics as Top Safety Threat at 10%, 10 Times Global Average
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 22
Summary
One in 10 Americans named politics as the biggest risk to their personal safety in the 2025 World Risk Poll, up from 6% in 2021 and 2023 and the highest share among 140 countries.
The survey points to deep polarization and a decade-long rise in political violence — including assassination attempts, threats, doxing and swatting — as politics spills into daily life.
The US was the only country where more people cited politics than personal health as their top safety risk, though road accidents and crime still ranked higher overall.
Hungary followed at 9%, with Serbia, Latvia and Lithuania at 6%, while Republicans, Democrats and independents in the US were similarly likely to see politics as their greatest danger.
The findings align with broader Gallup data showing worsening civic alienation: 58% of Americans in 2025 said the government does not care about them at all, up 11 points from 2021.
Why is the U.S. now seen as a bigger political risk for investors than some developing nations?
Politics and Government Named Top U.S. Problem by 33%: Rising Distrust, Polarization, and Paths Forward
Overview
In 2025, one in three U.S. adults saw politics and government as the nation’s biggest problem, a rate much higher than the global median of 8%. This marks a major shift, as the very systems meant to protect society are now viewed as risks by many Americans. Consistent polling shows this concern is growing, highlighting a deepening disillusionment. The trend is further reflected by a record number of Americans naming the U.S. itself as its greatest enemy, adding to the sense of unease. Together, these findings reveal a unique and troubling level of distrust in American political life.