A new global survey taken for the World Economic Forum shows at least half those polled believe politicians are dishonest, power-hungry, and easily influenced.
The Gallup organization carried out the poll for the World Economic Forum in November and December. It interviewed people in more than 60 countries to represent the opinions of two billion people.
The survey shows 61 percent believe politicians listen more to the powerful than to regular citizens, and about half said politicians are unethical and incompetent.
The poll shows about 80 percent of Africans distrust politicians while Americans and Western Europeans have a more favorable opinion.
The poll also shows a majority of Afghans and Iraqis believe the next generation will live in a safer world, while most Western European and Americans disagree.