https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/14/america-allies-divided-reviews-democracy-stability-00803863
The POLITICO Poll, conducted across five countries, reveals a stark disconnect between how Americans see their country and how several top allies do. As the Trump administration’s aggressive posture abroad disrupts the longstanding world order, the United States’ global reputation appears far worse than Americans realize.
It’s not just that allies no longer see the United States as a force for stability. Sizable shares, including a 43 percent plurality in Canada, say the country is mostly a threat to global stability.
The most common view among the close allies surveyed, in fact, was that the U.S. cannot be depended on in a crisis. That’s the opinion of a 57 percent majority in Canada, 51 percent majority in Germany, and pluralities in France (47 percent) and the U.K. (42 percent).
Their concerns come as the Trump administration has clashed with allies over defense spending, trade and the scope of collective security agreements. Trump has repeatedly cast doubt over America’s commitments in Europe, fueling questions about whether Washington can be relied upon.
One of the flaws of democracies is that they tend to be reactive. And that may be because many of the citizens of the democracies -- who ultimately vote in their leadership -- may tend to be reactive.
ReplyDeleteBut true leadership has to plan for the future and not just react to the pressures of the moment.
So, a leader is possibly going to be unpopular when he makes a decision not based on his reaction to public sentiment which in turn may, to a great extent, be based on the public's reacting to their feelings and not well thought through.
Okay, now comparison numbers. In Canada, what percentage see China and Russia as threats to global stability? Well in Canada, 15% of people think China is a threat compared to 55% who think the US is. This just shows you that if you ask stupid people a question, you get stupid results.
ReplyDeleteCountries with radical Muslim populations
ReplyDelete