Public Trust in Global AI Governance Across Geopolitical Rivals

Abstract

The global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) depends on coordination among national governments, international organizations, and non-state actors. While existing research has mapped the institutional complexity of the emerging AI regime, public trust in the stakeholders involved remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap using parallel surveys in the United States and China, two leading AI powers locked in strategic rivalry. Results show that respondents in both countries express the highest levels of trust in their own government and the lowest in their geopolitical rival, with other actors such as the European Union, tech firms, and research institutes falling in between. These patterns reflect how geopolitical competition and intergroup dynamics shape public trust, posing challenges for inclusive and cooperative governance in contested global domains such as AI. At the same time, individuals who view AI as socially beneficial and who support international cooperation report higher trust across a broad set of actors, including rivals. These findings illuminate systematic patterns in public opinions that condition the political viability of global AI governance and suggest that narratives emphasizing shared benefits and collaboration may help bridge trust gaps.