Global Perspectives on U.S. and China

The latest Pew Research Center survey reveals a significant shift in global public opinion. The U.S., once revered as more trustworthy than its main rival China, is now seen as more interventionist and less reliable. This shift marks one of the most important changes since Pew began monitoring international attitudes over 20 years ago. For the first time, China is viewed more favorably than the U.S. in most countries surveyed. This finding suggests a sobering assessment of Washington over a triumph for Beijing.

China, despite intimidating its neighbors and expanding its influence covertly, manages a more favorable international image. Its tactics include economic coercion and strategic land grabs, such as those in the Himalayas and militarization of the South China Sea. These actions have led to conflicts, like the ongoing standoff with India. However, Beijing rarely advertises its coercive methods. In contrast, the Trump administration has made U.S. actions explicit and unapologetic.

Under Trump, American actions, including military interventions and trade wars, have relied on raw power without seeking broad legitimacy. This approach marks a departure from previous administrations that cloaked their actions in the language of international law and collective security, such as George W. Bush’s coalition-building around the Iraq War.

Pew’s survey reveals that 75% of global respondents view the U.S. as highly interventionist, compared to 45% for China. This perception extends to America’s closest allies. Nations like Canada, Britain, and Germany now view China more favorably, indicating a decline in America’s international brand.

The loss of soft power, once America’s greatest asset, has contributed to this decline. America’s ability to attract through goodwill has diminished as Trump’s administration prioritizes unilateralism. Examples include interventions in Venezuela and Iran and other aggressive stances.

Internationally, the Trump administration has increasingly relied on American power as justification for actions, bypassing international law and allied opinions. This shift away from post-war norms has eroded U.S. legitimacy abroad.

The global perception under Trump suggests a preference for raw power over accepted international rules. The Pew survey warns that confidence in American leadership is waning. Although military and economic strengths remain, loss of legitimacy poses a profound challenge. America must rebuild credibility by aligning its power with recognized principles, restoring confidence in its leadership.

If not addressed, the world will likely view American power as problematic rather than beneficial. Reversing this trend is crucial to avoiding strategic defeat, unaffected by military victories elsewhere. The erosion of trust undermines America’s global influence, a gap no arsenal can fill.