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Ipsos Asks, "When You Really Think About It, More Things Are Getting Better in the World These Days Than Are Getting Worse"
The Ipsos Halifax Report 2024 presents a mixed global sentiment, challenging us to reflect on people's perceptions of whether things are truly improving.
Ipsos asked, "When you really think about it, more things are getting better in the world these days than are getting worse."
The Power of Optimism Amid Pessimism
The Halifax Report highlights widespread pessimism.
Only one in three (36% on average across 20 countries) agree that "more things are getting better in the world these days than are getting worse," reflecting a six-percentage-point drop year-over-year.
This figure is well below the 47% who expressed similar optimism in 2017 when Ipsos first posed the question and even lower than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when 41% believed in global improvement.
Darrell Bricker, Ipsos Global CEO of Public Affairs, aptly summarises the findings: "There's some optimism for a better future amid a bleak outlook of the state of things today."
His observation captures the paradox of hope coexisting with uncertainty—a testament to the human capacity to envision a brighter future.
Australia: Declining Optimism
In Australia, optimism has significantly waned.
Only 34% of Australians agree that "more things are getting better in the world these days than are getting worse," a 14-percentage-point drop compared to 2023.
This notable decline highlights an acute loss of confidence in progress, potentially influenced by economic challenges, climate concerns, and global uncertainties.
As The Centre for Optimism's research head, Dr Anand Kulkarni, said, "Our economy and society needs a transformation from the fog of pessimism to the blue sky of optimism, where opportunity transcends crisis, where renewal trumps malaise and where innovation discards inertia".
Robert Masters added, "Australia must embark on a national education program that enhances awareness, knowledge and understanding of our national Values. Our Values define and shape our nation. This is where the Optimism Principle can deliver this program. It provides the key elements for leadership to inspire change and positive outcomes, where expectations can be met, and where our nation can return to its unique position in the eyes of the world - a country where our renowned laid-back nature and distinctive sense of humour continues to be underpinned by a welcoming attitude that highlights anyone can be a 'mate' in Australia."
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The Optimism Principle
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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Countries with Lower Optimism
Australia is not alone in its low optimism. Several countries report even lower levels of agreement, reflecting global variation in perceptions of progress. These include:
- United States: 31%
- Canada: 29%
- Italy: 28%
- Belgium: 25%
- Türkiye: 23%
- France: 22%
- Japan: 20%
These figures reveal how perceptions of improvement differ widely, influenced by local conditions, leadership, and media narratives.
The Role of Leadership in Shaping Perception
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping public sentiment and fostering optimism. Infectiously optimistic leaders, as the Centre for Optimism advocates, inspire confidence and encourage collective action toward solutions. The Halifax Report suggests that countries with stable governance and forward-looking policies report higher optimism among their citizens.
To Restore Hope and Optimism in Our Common Future
"Heads reaffirmed their commitment to include, respect, understand, support, and strengthen the voice and agency of the youth—an integral part of the Commonwealth—and to restore hope and optimism in our common future."
This pledge, from Paragraph 5 of the Leaders' Statement at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, underscores the importance of fostering intergenerational solidarity and uplifting collective hope.
Here are the results for Commonwealth countries included in the Ipsos Halifax Report, ordered by levels of optimism:
- India: 62%
- Malaysia: 55%
- Singapore: 49%
- South Africa: 42%
- New Zealand: 37%
- United Kingdom: 36%
- Australia: 34%
- Canada: 29%
These results highlight diverse levels of optimism within the Commonwealth, shaped by unique national contexts.
Conclusion
The Ipsos Halifax Report reminds us that perceptions of global improvement are complex and often influenced by immediate challenges.
Australia's steep decline in optimism underscores the need for a concerted effort to foster hope and confidence in the nation's future. Yet, as Darrell Bricker notes, optimism for a better future persists amidst the bleak outlook.
The Optimism Principle teaches us that optimism empowers individuals, leaders, and organisations to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and foster resilience.
• 54 min
The Optimism Principle
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
Play
Furthermore, the Optimism Effect, as demonstrated by research from the University of Sydney, shows how optimism drives productivity and innovation by encouraging investment and fostering creativity at both national and individual levels.
"The Optimism Effect" and Dr Danielle Kent's Learned Optimism
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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By nurturing a mindset of optimism and hope and aligning it with strategic efforts, societies can transform challenges into opportunities, driving meaningful progress and building a brighter, more hopeful future for all.
NB It is also important to note that this polling was conducted before the U.S. presidential election, a significant event often shaping global perceptions and sentiments.
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