Worries about income inequality, jobs disappearing due to automation and environmental sustainability are all feeding wide-scale distrust in capitalism as the world knows it, according to a new study released Sunday.

Edelman, a public-relations firm, conducted its 20th annual analysis of public trust in major institutions, surveying 34,000 people in 27 countries and Hong Kong. The data reveal both skepticism about those institutions—including government, business, the media and nongovernmental organizations—and a hunger for leadership on important issues.

Anxiety about future employment prospects, wage gaps between the rich and middle class and corruption have made many people question the very systems of capitalism and democracy, the study found.

“Fears have eclipsed hopes,” said Richard Edelman, the company’s chief executive.

Even in strong economies that appear to be close to full employment, trust in institutions is crumbling, a sign that many people feel left behind, he said. He described this year’s findings as “the great trust paradox.”