The research found that across 21 countries, 86% of people believe the US is most to blame for our current economic problems; correspondingly, only 10% think that the US is the world's most trustworthy country.
The research was commissioned by Porter Novelli and carried out by MarketProbe and the Global Research Network. It found that among UK respondents a majority, 52%, would prefer Barack Obama to win the election to John McCain, and feel he is more likely to improve international issues such as world peace, global poverty, the environment, human rights and the economy.
Laurence Lee, director at Porter Novelli, said: "The eventual winner will need to invest significant time re-establishing trust and reputation around the world.
"Their ability to achieve this will have a huge impact on business and consumer confidence, on the perception of American brands abroad and how these brands communicate with their audiences."
The survey was conducted with 10,392 people globally.