NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.globescan.com/news_archives/GS_PIPA_EU.html


In 20 of 23 Countries Polled Citizens Want Europe to Be More Influential Than US

•France Most Widely Seen as Having a Positive Influence in World •

• US and Russia Mostly Seen as Negative Influences •

• Britain and China Mostly Viewed Positively •


A public opinion poll across 23 countries finds that in 20, a majority (17) or a plurality (3) of citizens think it would be mainly positive for Europe to become more influential than the US in world affairs. Currently, Europe is seen as having a mainly positive influence in the world in 22 countries. Among specific major countries, the one most widely viewed as having a positive influence is France—viewed positively in 20 countries. The countries most widely viewed as having a negative influence are the US (viewed negatively in 15 countries) and Russia (14 countries).

The poll of 23,518 people was conducted by the international polling firm GlobeScan together with the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland. The 23-nation fieldwork was coordinated by GlobeScan and completed during December 2004 in most countries. The poll included some questions (previously reported) that were fielded for the BBC World Service.

On average, across all countries polled, 58 percent favor Europe becoming more influential than the US in world affairs. Excluding European countries, the average is 53 percent. The most enthusiasm for greater European influence (other than in Europe) is among US neighbors—Mexico (66%) and Canada (63%)—and China (66%), South Africa (63%), Australia (62%), and Russia (60%). The only countries where a majority sees this prospect as negative are the Philippines (54%), and the US. However, among Americans only 55 percent see it as negative while 34 percent say it would be positive, reflecting the deep political divide among Americans over US foreign policy. Indians are divided, with 35 percent saying mostly positive, 38 percent mostly negative.

Asked to evaluate the current influence of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Europe as a whole, in 22 out of 23 countries a majority (20) or a plurality (2) see Europe as having a positive influence in the world. On average, 68 percent see Europe as having a positive influence and only 13 percent see it as negative—63 percent to 15 percent if European countries are excluded. Europe is viewed especially positively in Canada (79%), China (77%), the Philippines (76%), and South Africa (76%). The only country not to view it positively is India, where views are evenly divided. Mexico is relatively lukewarm (42% positive, 16% negative) as is Japan (39% positive, 2% negative).

Views of France
The most highly regarded individual country is France, which is seen as having a positive influence in 21 countries—58 percent on average, with 20 percent seeing a mainly negative influence. [Note: In all cases the population of the country being evaluated was excluded from the totals.]

Only in the US does a majority (52%) say that France is having a negative influence in the world (positive 37%). Turkey is divided, with 34 percent positive and 37 percent negative. Interestingly, the country most positive toward France is its historical nemesis Germany, where 77 percent view France as positive, followed by Italy (73%). Close behind were China (72%), South Korea (72%), South Africa (69%), and Lebanon (69%).

Views of US
The US edges out Russia for the dubious distinction of having the largest number of countries rating it as having a negative influence in the world, with 15 countries saying it has a negative influence and just six countries viewing it as positive.

On average, a plurality of 47 percent view US influence in the world as mostly negative, while 38 percent view it as mostly positive and 15 percent did not answer either way. The countries most negative towards the US are Argentina (65%), Germany (64%), Russia (63%), Turkey (62%), Canada (60%), and Mexico (57%). Majorities see US influence as positive in the Philippines (88%), South Africa (56%), India (54%), Poland (52%), and South Korea (52%). A plurality of Italians (49%) are also positive. Interestingly the French were only moderately negative about US influence, with 54 percent viewing it negatively—mirroring the 52 percent of Americans who view France negatively.

Views of Russia
Russia has the fewest number of countries (5) viewing it as having a positive influence, with 14 viewing it negatively. On average, 35 percent view it positively and 40 percent negatively.

The most negative are Germany and France at 57 percent, followed by Brazil (52%), Poland (51%) and South Korea (50%). Americans only lean mildly negative (39% positive, 44% negative). The only two countries with a majority positive toward Russia were China, where 64 percent view it positively, and India (67%). However, pluralities are positive in the Philippines (49%), Chile (44%), and Lebanon (38%).

Views of Britain
Britain and China are in a middle tier and viewed primarily as positive. Eighteen countries view Britain as having a positive influence, led by the US (78%), South Korea (70%), South Africa, and Canada (both 67%). On average, 50 percent view Britain positively and 29 percent negatively. Only one country has a majority with a negative view of Britain—Argentina with 53 percent (positive 18%)—perhaps a hangover from the Falklands War. Two countries have pluralities with negative views, Turkey (48% negative, 27% positive) and Mexico (41% negative, 17% positive). India is divided (39% positive, 35% negative).

Views of China
As was previously reported by the BBC World Service, 14 countries view China as having a positive influence. On average, 48 percent view China as positive and just 30 percent as negative. The most positive are Lebanon (74%), the Philippines (70%), Indonesia (68%), and India (66%). In only three countries do a plurality view Chinese influence as negative—Germany (47%), the US (46%) and Poland (33%), and in no case does a majority have a negative view. In Japan, few say China is having a negative influence (22%), but also few say it is having a positive influence (25%), while 53 percent do not take a position one way or the other.

The BBC World Service Poll showed this positive view of China is closely related to its economic role in the world rather than its potential military power. While in 16 countries most saw it as positive if China were to become “significantly more powerful economically,” in 17 countries more said that it would be negative if China becomes “significantly more powerful militarily.”

Comments
Steven Kull, director of PIPA, comments, “What is notable here is that Europe and China, which have engaged the world primarily through economic relations—or soft power—are widely seen as having a mostly positive influence, while the countries that have very large militaries and have recently used them in a prominent way—the US and Russia—are more often seen as having a negative influence. Some have argued US military power deserves appreciation for making the global economic order possible, but with the Cold War a fading memory, this perspective seems to be fading as well. While trade might buy you love, guns clearly do not.”

Doug Miller, President of GlobeScan adds, “Our research shows that Europe’s star has risen as America’s reputation has declined under the Bush Administration. Americans really must worry when it is the wealthy of the world and the youth of the world that are the most upset with them.”

Demographic Variations
Looking at variations by age is especially significant, as the attitudes of young people compared to older people suggest possible future trends. Indeed, all the striking findings of the study appear to be more pronounced among young people. Young people (18-29) are more supportive of Europe becoming more influential than the US (60%) than those 60 or more (51%). Excluding Europeans, 56 percent of young people are supportive, as compared to 45 percent of older people. Larger percentages of young people than older people have a positive view of the influence of Europe (69% vs. 64%; excluding Europeans, 65% vs. 57%), of France (61% vs. 53%), of China (54% vs. 41%), and of Russia (39% vs. 32%). However, young people are more prone to view the US as having a negative influence (50% vs. 40%), as well as Britain (32% vs. 22%).

Education is also an important variable, as those who are educated are likely to be better informed. Here too, the striking findings of the study are more pronounced at higher educational levels. Those with relatively high levels of education are more likely to have a positive view of Europe becoming more influential than the US (63%) than are those with lower levels of education (53%). (Excluding Europeans: 57% and 45%.) Larger percentages of those with higher education have a positive view of the influence of Europe (72% vs. 64%; excluding Europeans, 67% vs. 55%), of France (63% vs. 52%), China (49% vs. 44%), Russia (38% vs. 31%) and Britain (53% vs. 44%). However, those who are more educated are more likely to have a negative view of US influence (50% vs. 44%).

Income followed a pattern quite similar to education. Those with higher levels of income were more likely to have a positive view of Europe becoming more influential than the US; to have a positive view of the influence of Europe, of France, Russia, and Britain; and to have a negative view of the influence of the US.




Polling was conducted by GlobeScan’s network of national Research Partners from November 15, 2004 to January 5, 2005 with a total of 23,518 people. In eight of the countries the sample was limited to major metropolitan areas. The margin of error per country ranged from +/-2.5-4%. For more details, please see the Methodology or visit www.pipa.org.

Interesting developments, hm?

We needed a study?

No, not really very interesting. . .sorry. These don't surprise me at all, people generally don't like boats being rocked.

ok, there's no way I'm gonna read that whole thing, so I'll just say Japan. Pearl Harbor 2!

*yawns*

We needed a study?
Well a study now makes it official, right? The world is anti-American ;) Boohoohoo...

Yeah, It is prety obvious. I just can't help but wonder if people are taking pre ww2 into account. Still, US wouldn't rank very high.

I like it how the president of the company comes out and says "America sucks, Bush sucks, go Europe"

If people have any sense, they'll let me rule the world. Thus, I predict anyone but me will rule the world.

Ein Deutscher']Well a study now makes it official, right? The world is anti-American ;) Boohoohoo...
What harm did America do to you?

What harm did America do to you?
Bush visited us last February. The expenses for this visit of his colony in Europe had to be paid by the taxpayers (i.e. me). That's one thing among others. But mainly I am angry how the pillars of democracy are being betrayed by US politicians and policies, which makes it somewhat difficult to believe in what they preach.

Ein Deutscher']Well a study now makes it official, right? The world is anti-American ;) Boohoohoo...
This is old. Everyone and their grandma knows that the US is not liked around the world. I'm sure dozens of threads from 2003 and 2004 have already linked to official studies like this.

The problem with this study is that the other countries aren't willing to put together the military force necessary to be as influential as the people out there would like.

The EU, for instance, has a real shortage of men who would serve in such a large and as yet non-existent EU force.

And, like they do with the US, as soon as they start actively intervening overseas in a major way, people will complain.

Doesn't that seem like an easily manipulated poll? I mean, they could poll people in Algeria and I bet France would get a lot more negative, or they could poll people in Taiwan and I would think China would get a lot more negative.

Doesn't that seem like an easily manipulated poll? I mean, they could poll people in Algeria and I bet France would get a lot more negative, or they could poll people in Taiwan and I would think China would get a lot more negative.


Yes, or they could go to tibet and ask about china..... oh that's right, nevermind.

Honestly I don't see how anyone could view china as a positive influence.

Don't forget....
In eight of the countries the sample was limited to major metropolitan areas.

LONG LIVE FRANCE!

*plays French music*

That study , by its own admission, is sheer bunk.

Of course, as soon as an official study by a well-known polling institute appears, it is crap. Might that be because it does not portray the US in the glorious light of freedom and righteousness that the Americans would like it to be? Might it be that the realization that indeed, the majority of mankind does not like what the US does, goes contrary to the self-imposed role of world police and invalidades the claims that the US does what is best for all of us?

Ein Deutscher']Of course, as soon as an official study by a well-known polling institute appears, it is crap. Might that be because it does not portray the US in the glorious light of freedom and righteousness that the Americans would like it to be? Might it be that the realization that indeed, the majority of mankind does not like what the US does, goes contrary to the self-imposed role of world police and invalidades the claims that the US does what is best for all of us?

* yawn *

* yawn *
*yawn*

Ein Deutscher']Of course, as soon as an official study by a well-known polling institute appears, it is crap. Might that be because it does not portray the US in the glorious light of freedom and righteousness that the Americans would like it to be? Might it be that the realization that indeed, the majority of mankind does not like what the US does, goes contrary to the self-imposed role of world police and invalidades the claims that the US does what is best for all of us?


Didnt I see you and a bunch of your other fellow "taxpayers" on the Simpson's last night?

Uh- we've left your country do what it though was best twice in the past century and you pretty much aggravated every one else. Maybe we do need to stay on your case-unless you feel you deserve a third strike?

I found this article interesting, although not particularly surprising.

I would imagine those that are "yawning" are merely doing so as they can't deal with the article's frank expression of the reality it outlines.

Ein Deutscher']Bush visited us last February.
And he's about to 'grace' the Netherlands with a visit as well.

And he's about to 'grace' the Netherlands with a visit as well.
And also Latvia I believe. Lucky Riga.

I have no doubt that there is some accuracy to this study, though any study that claims France really has ANY influence in the world positive or negative has to be a bit questionable. I think its the countries that have less influence are popular for precisely that reason. Its the simple King of the Mountain principle. The US is the only world superpower at the moment and therefore everyone is eager to tear it down. It was the same for Britain in the late 1800's and the Soviet Union until it fell.

To that end, if the world hates America's influence so much then I suggest everyone stop eating at McDonalds, stop seeing Tom Cruise movies and buying Justin Timberlake albums and for god's sake turn off Desperate Housewives. You say you hate us with your words but your actions indicate something different.

this might as well be a per-country study in media bias...

i have no idea how France came out on top, since they don't really do anything but bitch about what the US does, but i would imagine that hands-off Europe gets better pub than does the US.

daily affirmation that no good deed goes unpunished.

I found this article interesting, although not particularly surprising.

I would imagine those that are "yawning" are merely doing so as they can't deal with the article's frank expression of the reality it outlines.

I will now seek passage to Norway where they are at least enlightened enough to recognize that women should pay for the privilege of fellating us.

OSLO (Reuters) - A Norwegian court has sentenced a woman to nine months in jail for raping a man, the first such conviction in the Scandinavian country that prides itself for its egalitarianism.

The 31-year-old man fell asleep on a sofa at a party in January last year and told the court in the western city of Bergen he woke to find the 23-year-old woman was having oral sex with him.

Under Norwegian law, all sexual acts with someone who is "unconscious or for other reasons unable to oppose the act" are considered rape.

The court sentenced the woman Wednesday to nine months in jail and ordered her to pay 40,000 Norwegian crowns ($6,355) in compensation.

"This is a very harsh sentence," the woman's lawyer, Per Magne Kristiansen, told the Norwegian news agency NTB. The woman argued the man had been awake and consented.

The prosecutor had sought a 10-month sentence and argued the court should not be more lenient with a woman than a man. It was Norway's first conviction of a woman for rape.

Norway has long traditions of equality -- 40 percent of the cabinet of Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, for instance, are women.

I found this article interesting, although not particularly surprising.

I would imagine those that are "yawning" are merely doing so as they can't deal with the article's frank expression of the reality it outlines.
Here's the reality. Nobody likes a superpower. There was a time when European nations like France, Spain, England, The Netherlands, etc. had vast collonial empires. They were superpowers. If a poll was taken back then most people wouldn't approve of them either.

If Europe supplants the US as a superpower you'll quickly see the world's opinion turning against them too. People envy power and wealth. They distrust those who weild it. Superpowers tend to look after their own interests, like all nations, except they have the ability to protect and expand their interests much more effectively. Any superpower will be disliked by those who don't live there.

I will now seek passage to Norway where they are at least enlightened enough to recognize that women should pay for the privilege of fellating us.

OSLO (Reuters) - A Norwegian court has sentenced a woman to nine months in jail for raping a man, the first such conviction in the Scandinavian country that prides itself for its egalitarianism.

The 31-year-old man fell asleep on a sofa at a party in January last year and told the court in the western city of Bergen he woke to find the 23-year-old woman was having oral sex with him.

Under Norwegian law, all sexual acts with someone who is "unconscious or for other reasons unable to oppose the act" are considered rape.

The court sentenced the woman Wednesday to nine months in jail and ordered her to pay 40,000 Norwegian crowns ($6,355) in compensation.

"This is a very harsh sentence," the woman's lawyer, Per Magne Kristiansen, told the Norwegian news agency NTB. The woman argued the man had been awake and consented.

The prosecutor had sought a 10-month sentence and argued the court should not be more lenient with a woman than a man. It was Norway's first conviction of a woman for rape.

Norway has long traditions of equality -- 40 percent of the cabinet of Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, for instance, are women.


You wouldnt be trying to reason with the unreasonable again, would you?

Here's the reality. Nobody likes a superpower. There was a time when European nations like France, Spain, England, The Netherlands, etc. had vast collonial empires. They were superpowers. If a poll was taken back then most people wouldn't approve of them either.

If Europe supplants the US as a superpower you'll quickly see the world's opinion turning against them too. People envy power and wealth. They distrust those who weild it. Superpowers tend to look after their own interests, like all nations, except they have the ability to protect and expand their interests much more effectively. Any superpower will be disliked by those who don't live there.


Yes. And If they did like us, we'd be doing something wrong. The simple fact is-we dont need or seek their acceptance or approval. Unfortunately, that is likely the root of their animosity.

I think the thing is that people who dont live in a super power expect to much from the people who live in them, i am american and i try to act nice to everyone on the forum, wether they are american, british, french, whatever.
I dont think that we need there exceptance, but we could at least be a bit more civil, looking at some other American posters, the main theme is "i dont care" and that is probably what causes the problems in the first place.

Here's the reality. Nobody likes a superpower. There was a time when European nations like France, Spain, England, The Netherlands, etc. had vast collonial empires. They were superpowers. If a poll was taken back then most people wouldn't approve of them either.

If Europe supplants the US as a superpower you'll quickly see the world's opinion turning against them too. People envy power and wealth. They distrust those who weild it. Superpowers tend to look after their own interests, like all nations, except they have the ability to protect and expand their interests much more effectively. Any superpower will be disliked by those who don't live there.

I think there's probably some truth in what you say. However, I think you mustn't overlook the ratings people attribute to actions. Many of the ways the USA uses its status as a superpower are considered unsavoury by many non-US people. This has been heightened by the the lack of understanding for the international community the USA has been displaying recently and even in its breaking of international law. We can see that many of the EU countries were very vocal in their opinion against this - and even in those that weren't, the majority of the citizens were against the USA's actions. This is probably more of an explanation for the USA's lack of popularity.

I think there's probably some truth in what you say. However, I think you mustn't overlook the ratings people attribute to actions. Many of the ways the USA uses its status as a superpower are considered unsavoury by many non-US people. This has been heightened by the the lack of understanding for the international community the USA has been displaying recently and even in its breaking of international law. We can see that many of the EU countries were very vocal in their opinion against this - and even in those that weren't, the majority of the citizens were against the USA's actions. This is probably more of an explanation for the USA's lack of popularity.
Meanwhile China, which got a positive rating, has never violated international law and greatly values the world's opinion right? No, it's just another example of people disliking and distrusting those more powerfull than them.

Meanwhile China, which got a positive rating, has never violated international law and greatly values the world's opinion right? No, it's just another example of people disliking and distrusting those more powerfull than them.

I can tell you're American, you like confrontation. ;)

China has no doubt got a terrible human rights record, worse than USA in fact within its own territory. However, China is probably not seen to be as disrespectful towards the opinions of our countries as USA. Therefore, China less often makes itself unpopular so dramatically in foreign countries as USA.

I still don't think distrust of USA is based simply on its power. It's what it does with this power. IE: It's not unrealistic to say that USA has the resources and power to be able to make a serious contribution to the Middle East peace process (it has a lot of sway on Israel, e.g. financial, political and military support which could be made conditional) and to the cause of climate control. I'm sure if USA started using its power in positive ways like this, it would suddently find itself very popular in other countries.

I can tell you're American, you like confrontation. ;)

China has no doubt got a terrible human rights record, worse than USA in fact within its own territory. However, China is probably not seen to be as disrespectful towards the opinions of our countries as USA. Therefore, China less often makes itself unpopular so dramatically in foreign countries as USA.

I still don't think distrust of USA is based simply on its power. It's what it does with this power. IE: It's not unrealistic to say that USA has the resources and power to be able to make a serious contribution to the Middle East peace process (it has a lot of sway on Israel, e.g. financial, political and military support which could be made conditional) and to the cause of climate control. I'm sure if USA started using its power in positive ways like this, it would suddently find itself very popular in other countries.
The US has time and again tried to broker a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians. It simply doesn't work. Both sides make unrealistic demands. But that's a discussion for another thread. The US can't be expected to cut military support for Israel. It's a country surrounded by enemies who's been attacked by those enemies many, many times.

LONG LIVE FRANCE!

*plays French music*

How about not. 1 Billion times better is "Vive Puerto Rico!!!!" :D

The United States is the only world power but I do doubt that it will rule the world and Europe's military(except for England) is kinda in the pit but at least they make it up for a good economy. United States and Russia might because of there power, only a few European nations have a slim chance of ruling the Earth (espacily France). The African nations really don't pose any threat and Asia may have a good chance including the middle east. I, myself am an American but I don't think the my home nation nor any nation would even WANT to rule the Earth execpt for Russia.

I can tell you're American, you like confrontation. ;)

China has no doubt got a terrible human rights record, worse than USA in fact within its own territory. However, China is probably not seen to be as disrespectful towards the opinions of our countries as USA. Therefore, China less often makes itself unpopular so dramatically in foreign countries as USA.

I still don't think distrust of USA is based simply on its power. It's what it does with this power. IE: It's not unrealistic to say that USA has the resources and power to be able to make a serious contribution to the Middle East peace process (it has a lot of sway on Israel, e.g. financial, political and military support which could be made conditional) and to the cause of climate control. I'm sure if USA started using its power in positive ways like this, it would suddently find itself very popular in other countries.

I agree with you. As an American by passport, I think that if the USA just became more friendly and at least tried to understand it's contributions and try to fix it, the USA could become more popular in the world. If the USA really tried to make friends in the world, it would be alot more popular.

This is a quote from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius:

"From my governor, I learned to be neither of the green nor of the blue party at the games in the Circus, nor a partisan either of the Parmularius or the Scutarius at the gladiators' fights; from him too I learned endurance of labor, and to want little, and to work with my own hands, and not to meddle with other people's affairs, and not to be ready to listen to slander."
- Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Meditations, Book I, Verse 5

Marcus Aurelius was the last Emperor of Rome during the Pax Romana.

I believe Meditations is like a handbook of a good ruler or leader.I must say that I believe that a leader who is fair and just to his people should rule the world (like that will ever happen).

A 23 nation survey where 8 of them (1/3rd) are in Europe? :rolleyes:

Hey! 50 out of 50 states think the EU is full of whiners. :D

(Yes, that's meant as a satirical response.)

Poll! Poll! Poll! We demand a poll! :D

What does it feel like, being a superpower on the exit? :D

Well the US attitude against the international dislike is mainly to raise its middle finger and tell them to fuck off. This attitude makes most people dislike them even more. What Americans need to do with their foreign policy is begin to get international approval. During the Cold War there was a counterbalance which made it impossible for the US to do whatever it wanted.
Officially that is, the CIA still screwed all communists and sympathisers. But with the USSR still in existance the Iraq war would not have been possible. While the USSR would probably(if still in existance) be happy with a world with no Hussein, the Americans would not be able to just go in guns blazing. The USSR would most likely, for prestige, demand that weapon inspections be made and if a war there might be an international effort. The reason would be to secure the Soviet neighbour Iran. Saddam was not liked in the Kremlin, he was not liked by anyone.

The problem today is that no one can(at least not in action) stand up to America. Without a counterbalance there will be this bullying we see today. Before 1991 there was never only one global power. In the late 1800s the British and Russians almost went to war over Afghanistan because they were both great powers with huge resources. As we know that never happened, but it was horribly close. If Russia had been the only super power around they could just have told the Brits to go to hell and take the country. Because of a balance of power they couldn't. When the USSR and the United States where almost equals in power(both being able to blow up the world several times) they had to compromise.
When America threatned to invade Cuba Soviet officers on Cuba were authorised by Moscow to launch tactical nukes against US armed forces in the case of an invasion, some hot heads wanted to have permission to launch the big weapons. The reason the Cuban Missle Crisis didn't become war was because both sides knew a compromise was needed. No sane person will claim that anyone would have won a nuclear war.

I do not want to go back to a time of international tensions, but I think that if China will become equal in military and economic power there will be more compromises. The cowboy policies will come to an end because of a balance.

Ein Deutscher']What does it feel like, being a superpower on the exit? :D
It makes you consider going out with a (thermonuclear) bang.

Germany, Italy, or Ireland should be highly influencial. Followed by Russia and Japan (I consider Japan the Asian Germany).

Why most are going to ask.
I am the three listed first
I like Russia
Like I said in the ()

Ein Deutscher']What does it feel like, being a superpower on the exit? :D

Dunno. I'll tell you in the year 2382. :)

China will eventually outsource every single job in the world. Including the American presidency and all parliaments in Europe. With the control of all the world's government the Chinese will "donate" the world to itself, thus ruling the world.

Long live Mao!!!


Note: I am not serious, the world will never be ruled by a single nation. At least not as long as there are humans present.

You got that right. We are having a hard enough time kicking the English out. We don't need to deal with the Chinese as well.

"In hoc signo vinces"
(In this sign shalt thou conquer)
- Emperor Constantine c.288 - 337