A new study reveals that Americans view politics as the greatest threat to their safety, with 10% citing it as their top daily risk—ten times the global average. The Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll highlights how deep partisan divisions are now perceived as a personal danger.
Why Politics Is Now Seen as a Safety Risk
The survey, conducted across 140 countries, found that the United States is the only nation where more people named politics than personal health conditions as their biggest safety threat. This marks a sharp rise from 6% in 2021 and 2023. According to Gallup’s Benedict Vigers, “The US figure of 10% is unprecedented. No other country ranked higher.”
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While road accidents and crime remain the most common dangers cited by Americans, the surge in political violence—including three assassination attempts against Donald Trump and the 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk—has made political risk a palpable concern in everyday life.
Global Comparison of Political Safety Threats
| Country | Percentage Citing Politics as Top Risk |
|---|---|
| United States | 10% |
| Hungary | 9% |
| Serbia | 6% |
| Latvia | 6% |
| Lithuania | 6% |
| Slovakia | 5% |
| Russia | 5% |
| Myanmar | 5% |
| Spain | 5% |
| Israel | 5% |
| Global Average | 1% |
This table shows that the US far outpaces every other nation, highlighting a unique political polarization crisis.
Key Takeaways from the Study
- 10% of Americans now identify politics as the greatest personal safety threat.
- The US is the only country where politics outranks personal health as a risk.
- Political violence events have escalated dramatically in the past decade.
- The global average is just 1%, making the US an outlier.
- Partisan divisions are increasingly seen as a daily safety concern.
What This Means for Americans
The findings reflect a deeply charged political environment. For many, the threat of political conflict now extends beyond headlines into neighborhoods, workplaces, and families. As the 2025 election cycle approaches, experts warn that this perception could further erode social trust and civic engagement.
Understanding these risks is crucial for policymakers and citizens alike. The data underscores the need for dialogue and measures to reduce political violence.
How to Stay Informed
Keep up with the latest surveys and analysis on political safety trends. Follow trusted sources like the Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Gallup for ongoing risk perception research. For more insights, explore our business and safety coverage.
FAQ
What percentage of Americans see politics as a safety threat?
According to the 2025 World Risk Poll, 10% of Americans named politics as the biggest risk to their personal safety, up from 6% in previous years.
How does the US compare to other countries?
The US has the highest rate globally, with 10% compared to the global average of 1%. Hungary is second at 9%, followed by Serbia, Latvia, and Lithuania at 6%.
Why is political violence increasing in the US?
The study attributes the rise to deep partisan divisions and a string of high-profile incidents, including assassination attempts and attacks on officials, which have made political risk a daily concern.