US is still an unpopular country

There is good news and bad news for the US President George W. Bush. The good news is the US image is getting better. The bad news is the change is largely due to Bush's departure from the White House by the end of this year.

This is the conclusion the Pew Research Centre has arrived at after it conducted polls in 24 countries to ascertain world opinion on the United States.

Five years after the invasion of Iraq, the unpopularity ratings of the US are still high compared to the beginning of the 21st century. But for the first time since American forces landed in Iraq, it is improving slightly in 10 countries. And almost everywhere, the public opinion indicates the upcoming election of a new president is the best thing that could happen to the US.

In almost every country, two-thirds of those surveyed believe that Bush's departure will lead to a better US diplomacy. There are more people who prefer Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama to the Republican candidate John McCain. According to the survey, Obama is twice as popular as the Republican candidate. But we have to keep in mind that in 2004, although an overwhelming number of voters in other parts of the world (only virtually) voted for John Kerry, American voters re-elected Bush.

There is a new worrying factor about US foreign policy. The major fear is no longer the launch of a new war, with devastating strategic results similar to the Iraq war. From now on, the downgrading of the US economy has become the new main concern and reason for anxiety. Countries worldwide mistrust consequent side effects on other national economies. In 18 countries, the people interviewed think their national economy is facing a hard time and believe the US is partly responsible for it.

The Chinese are as confident in their economy as Americans are troubled about their own. Nevertheless, the people's perceptions of those two powers are the same on one point. Both are being criticised for their unilateral approach to international relations and for using excessive influence (viewed as negative) on other countries.

Growth

Public opinions take into consideration the growth of China into an economic and military power. With its growing influence in the world comes more responsibilities. But, according to the polls, Beijing seems to disregard these responsibilities.

China and the US are considered the main contributors to climate change and global warming.

The survey found that only in eight countries did the US enjoy a good reputation. They are United Kingdom, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, Tanzania and South Korea. However, it should be borne in mind that the survey was conducted before the crisis between Seoul and Washington over the free trade agreement, which was largely rejected by South Korea.

In the Muslim world, the popularity of the US hit the nadir. Only 22 per cent of Egyptians, 19 per cent of Jordanians and Pakistanis, and 12 per cent of Turks support the US. Even in European countries, which are the historic US allies, negative opinions are dominant.

In Germany, only 31 per cent of the population are happy with the US. This rate is 34 per cent in Spain, and 42 per cent in France. In a third of the countries in which the study has been done, people consider the US more as an enemy than as a friend, even in official US allied countries such as Turkey and Pakistan.

On the question of foreign forces in Afghanistan, only those in the UK, the US and Australia supported their presence there. Most felt that the best option is to withdraw them as soon as possible.

Pessimism is also strong concerning Iraq and any short-term possibility of transforming this country into a real democracy.

A majority of the countries also criticised China for not respecting the basic civil and political rights of its citizens. In Western countries, China and Iran have the same negative rating when it comes to upholding human rights. But in Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Indonesia, most people have a positive opinion on China's concern for personal freedom.

Polemics

Despite the recent polemics on China's disrespect for human rights, both at home and abroad, there is hardly any global concern. China is not seen as an enemy by the vast majority of people in the countries that were surveyed. Even in Japan, where perceptions of China are highly unfavourable, only 23 per cent of the respondents described China as an enemy. Moreover, China is often considered a favoured partner, particularly in Africa, Nigeria (78 per cent), Tanzania (74 per cent) and South Africa (53 per cent).

Most people surveyed have a bad opinion of Iran, except in Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia and Nigeria.

In all countries, even in Muslim countries, there is a strong opposition to Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons. Pakistan is the only one which supports it.

Dr Pascal Boniface is the founder and director of IRIS (Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratgiques). He has published or edited more than 40 books dealing with international relations, nuclear deterrence and disarmament, European security and French international policy.