America’s Global Reputation Faces Steep Decline, Pew Study Finds
The United States’ global reputation has reached historic lows among key allies and partners, according to a 13-nation survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. The study, which surveyed 13,273 adults across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region between June and August 2020, highlights widespread disapproval of U.S. leadership and its handling of major global issues, particularly the coronavirus pandemic.
Record Low Favorability Ratings
The survey reveals that favorability toward the United States has plummeted in several countries, reaching levels not seen in nearly two decades. In the United Kingdom, only 41% of respondents expressed a positive view of the U.S., the lowest rating recorded in Pew’s history of polling in the region. France’s favorability rating stands at just 31%, matching the lows recorded during the 2003 Iraq War. Meanwhile, Germany’s perception of the U.S. has fallen to just 26%, reflecting deep skepticism about American leadership.
Pandemic Response Widely Criticized
One of the key drivers of this reputational decline is the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the 13 surveyed nations, a median of only 15% of respondents said the U.S. had done a good job handling the crisis. By contrast, most respondents gave their own governments, as well as the European Union and the World Health Organization, significantly higher marks. Even China, despite facing criticism for its initial handling of the outbreak, was viewed more favorably than the U.S. in terms of pandemic response.
Low Confidence in U.S. Leadership
The survey also underscores global dissatisfaction with then-President Donald Trump. Trust in Trump to “do the right thing” in world affairs remained at historically low levels, with only 9% of Belgians and 25% of Japanese expressing confidence in his leadership. The findings suggest that Trump was even less trusted than other major world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump’s approval ratings were particularly low in Western Europe, where perceptions of his leadership were more negative than those of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, support for Trump was higher among Europeans who identified with right-wing populist parties, with Spain’s Vox party supporters expressing the most confidence in his leadership.
Declining Perception of American Freedoms
The report also touches on concerns about racial injustice and civil liberties in the U.S. Global perceptions of America’s commitment to personal freedoms have steadily declined since 2013, coinciding with major events such as the NSA surveillance revelations, the Ferguson protests, and the Black Lives Matter movement. The killing of George Floyd in 2020 further intensified global scrutiny, leading to solidarity protests in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Economic Influence and Long-Term Trends
Despite the reputational decline, the U.S. remains a dominant global power. However, the study suggests a shifting perception of economic leadership. In most surveyed nations, China is now seen as the world’s leading economic force, with South Korea and Japan being the only exceptions, still recognizing the U.S. as the top economy.
The Pew Research Center’s findings paint a stark picture of America’s declining global credibility, with trust in U.S. leadership and institutions reaching historic lows. While reputations can recover over time, the report indicates that America’s standing in the world has suffered significant damage, particularly due to its handling of the pandemic and ongoing political divisions.
