Results of the 2024 Survey of American Fears by the Babbie Centre at Chapman University show that over 65% of respondents expressed being "afraid" or "very afraid" of government corruption, marking the tenth year that this fear topped the list.
This “severe and widespread” fear appears to contribute to a broader distrust in American political institutions at all levels.
“Whereas some might suggest that perceptions of corruption are driven by mistrust of national politicians and the executive branch of government, our findings show that, although Americans perceive somewhat less corruption at the local level, all levels of government are generally perceived as compromised,” read the report.
The study reveals that concerns about corruption cut across all demographics, including age, race, income, and political affiliation, however “the most left-leaning and right-leaning Americans were the most fearful of corruption.”
Despite the fact that global assessments often consider U.S. governance relatively low in corruption, Americans perceive significant influence from powerful groups, which they see as undermining public interests.
This sentiment reflects an ongoing belief that public officials may be beholden to corporate and other private interests rather than citizens.
The survey also highlighted broader fears, with issues like cyberterrorism, economic instability, and nuclear threats from Russia and North Korea ranking high among American anxieties. Notably, cyberterrorism rose from 9th place in 2023 to 3rd this year.
“That citizens may be attracted to populist rhetoric decrying career politicians and the political establishment could have its roots in distrust driven by fear of corruption,” concluded the report.
