And yet, despite the seeming inability of our international systems to solve existential problems, the public still believes in global cooperation, and in the role of an institution like the U.N.

Exactly 80 years ago, on Oct. 24, 1945, the United Nations Charter entered into force. But the U.N. is limping through its birthday in a state of internal crisis. Confrontation and self-interest are on the rise in our dysfunctional family of nations. A global war is a significant risk; nuclear weapons holders are openly threatening their use; climate change is making parts of our world uninhabitable; and unregulated AI risks deepening socioeconomic inequality and threatening our cognitive security.

Exactly 80 years ago, on Oct. 24, 1945, the United Nations Charter entered into force. But the U.N. is limping through its birthday in a state of internal crisis. Confrontation and self-interest are on the rise in our dysfunctional family of nations. A global war is a significant risk; nuclear weapons holders are openly threatening their use; climate change is making parts of our world uninhabitable; and unregulated AI risks deepening socioeconomic inequality and threatening our cognitive security.

And yet, despite the seeming inability of our international systems to solve existential problems, the public still believes in global cooperation, and in the role of an institution like the U.N.

In a survey of 23,000 people in 18 countries, two-thirds said international decision-making is the most effective way to find solutions to future risks. Another new global poll of 36,000 people across 34 countries found that a majority (55 percent) want their country to work with others to take on common threats—even if it means compromising on some national interests.

While global support for international cooperation remains high, trust in the institutions that deliver