Citizens for Global Solutions

U.S. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT | Attitudes Toward the U.S.

Poll Explores Global Perceptions of U.S.

Newly released results of the Pew Global Attitudes 2005 poll reveal mixed global feelings toward the United States and its policies. Nearly 17,000 people in 16 countries provided their opinions on a wide range of topics for the survey, conducted from April 20 – May 31, 2005. Key findings relate to America’s ability to engage constructively with the world around it.

U.S. Wins No Popularity Contests
The United States is globally viewed less favorably than most other countries, including China. Up to 59% of those in countries traditionally partnering with America hold negative views of the United States. People from other countries are not alone in this view. 57% of Americans are not satisfied with the general direction the United States is going.

U.S. Losing Partners due to ‘Go-it-Alone’ Policies
The majority of those surveyed feel that the United States does not take other countries into account when constructing its foreign policy. This view of America as strongly unilateral is supported by both our recent skeptics – the French at 82% - and our traditional allies – the Canadians at 80% and the British at 60%. Furthermore, majorities in every Western European country and Canada signaled that they want more independence from the U.S. “in diplomatic and security affairs.”

U.S. Lacks Trust to Protect Global Environment
The United States also falls far short of achieving the world’s trust for protecting the environment. When asked which country “you trust most to do the right thing in protecting the world’s environment,” 59% of Americans trust their own country the most. People in other countries did not share this view, with trust in the United States often achieving no better than a distant second, third, or fourth.

Trust in U.S. to End Genocide Remains
Despite this less than rosy view of the United States around the world, it remains the country trusted to end genocides. When asked “If an innocent people were being killed by the army, the police or another tribe in another country, who would you trust most to stop the killings?” respondents in the U.S., Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and India all chose the United States first. The French and British cited the U.S. second only to their own country.

Impact of Negative Trend
Responses to this year’s poll show a continued US dislike and distrust abroad, as noticed in previous years. They also indicate a turning away from the United States as a partner in solving global problems. In today’s interconnected world, we face challenges that no single country can tackle alone, not even the United States. If we cannot turn even to our closest allies for assistance in confronting these challenges, the whole world be worse off, including ourselves. Working in collaboration with our global neighbors, we can create a better, safer world for everyone.

+Click here to read the official Pew report

Last Updated December 15, 2005

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