A recent global study reveals a decline in the United States' reputation worldwide, with Muslim-majority countries and Europe experiencing a significant drop in positive attitudes. Immigration has emerged as a top concern among Europeans, while faith in democracy remains high but dissatisfaction persists.
The global study, published on Wednesday, paints a concerning picture of the United States' fading reputation on the world stage. The drop in positive attitudes towards the US is particularly evident in Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria, as well as in European nations like Switzerland, Ireland, Ukraine, and Germany.
This decline in favorability has coincided with a rise in positive perceptions of Russia and China in countries surveyed in the Middle East and North Africa. The study attributes this trend to various factors without providing specific details.
Meanwhile, Europe has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of citizens prioritizing reducing immigration. In Germany, 44% of respondents advocate for a focus on curbing immigration, followed by Ireland and France. This shift in sentiment comes amidst an influx of immigrants into the EU, with approximately 5.1 million newcomers entering from non-EU countries in 2022.
The study, known as the Democracy Perception Index (DPI), is based on interviews with 63,000 individuals from 53 countries. It reveals that faith in democracy remains high globally, with 85% of respondents expressing its importance. However, governments often fall short of meeting expectations. While 58% of those surveyed are satisfied with the state of democracy in their own countries, the remainder express dissatisfaction.
In the United States, 60% of respondents perceive unfair elections or election fraud as threats to their democracy. Additionally, 77% view corruption as a significant threat. Dissatisfaction is not confined to non-democratic nations but is prevalent even in countries with long-standing democratic traditions, including the US, Europe, and other regions.
In Hungary, only about a third of citizens believe they reside in a democracy. Worldwide, nearly half of respondents feel that their governments cater solely to the interests of a select few. This perception has been particularly pronounced in Latin America and has steadily increased in Europe since 2020, especially in Germany.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, chair of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, warns that these figures signal a risk of losing the Global South to autocracies. He emphasizes the need for defending democracy not only abroad but also by addressing voter concerns within democratic nations.
The DPI also highlights rising concerns about global challenges. War and conflict are now regarded as the most pressing issue, followed by poverty and hunger, and climate change. Notably, migration and terrorism have become major concerns for Europeans in the past year.
At the national level, most citizens prioritize poverty reduction, corruption, and economic growth. Regional disparities exist in these priorities, with Europeans and Americans emphasizing healthcare improvement, climate change mitigation, and reduced immigration. In contrast, Asian and Latin American countries place greater importance on fighting corruption and promoting economic growth.
Globally, 33% of respondents recognize climate change as one of the world's top three challenges, but only 14% prioritize it as a focus for their governments. Immigration is likely to play a significant role in European elections next month, where nationalist parties are expected to gain support.
