One month into the new U.S. administration, a survey conducted by CGTN in collaboration with Renmin University of China and the Institute of International Communication in the New Era has unveiled significant global concern regarding the direction of U.S. foreign policy.
The poll, which gathered responses from 7,586 people across 38 countries, highlights widespread dissatisfaction with the administration's actions. Key issues include withdrawing from international agreements, exiting important organizations, and initiating trade disputes.
'America First' Faces Strong Global Backlash
The survey reveals that 63.7% of global respondents believe the administration's policy of withdrawing from international organizations is damaging global governance. Among U.S. allies, this concern rises to 66.7%.
Additionally, 63.3% agree that the \"America First\" agenda is accelerating the decline of the global economy, with 58.4% fearing that U.S. trade protectionism will hinder their own nations' economic growth.
When asked about trade measures that could negatively affect their countries, respondents identified \"restricting investment in foreign tech companies\" (58.3%), \"raising tariffs on foreign goods\" (57.9%), and \"reducing reliance on foreign imports and supply chains\" (54.2%) as the top threats.
G7 Respondents Express Growing Pessimism Toward U.S. Relations
The survey also highlights growing pessimism among respondents from G7 countries regarding future relations with the U.S. Among the six G7 nations outside the U.S., 57% are skeptical about their bilateral ties moving forward. Germany and Canada lead with 66% expressing pessimism, followed by Japan (60%), the UK (59.3%), and France (57.5%).
Tariff policies remain a primary concern among G7 respondents, with a striking 71.4% expressing apprehension, particularly in Canada, Japan, and Germany. Additionally, 64.3% criticized the administration's abrupt exits from international agreements, fearing disruptions to global governance and cooperation. Furthermore, 63.1% believe the U.S. focus on protecting American manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign imports will negatively impact their economies, with 72% of respondents from Japan particularly concerned.
Moreover, 56.5% worry that the administration's unilateral approach will hinder globalization, while 61.8% fear its trade protectionist policies will undermine trade liberalization and slow global economic growth.
Domestic Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Remains Low
The survey also sheds light on domestic skepticism regarding the new administration's foreign policy. Less than half of U.S. respondents believe the administration's policies will positively affect relations with key international partners, including Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
While 51.5% anticipate improvements in U.S.-Russia relations, confidence in other bilateral ties is mixed: 45% expect stronger U.S.-Middle East relations, 44% foresee better U.S.-Europe relations, and 42% hope for improved U.S.-Japan/South Korea ties.
However, U.S.-China relations stand out as the only exception, where negative views outweigh positive ones. According to the survey, 43% of respondents believe the new administration's policies will worsen U.S.-China relations, while only 40% see a positive impact.
Regarding the Taiwan Straits and South China Sea issues, U.S. respondents showed significant uncertainty. While 29.5% believed the new administration would positively influence the Taiwan issue, an equal percentage saw it as detrimental, with 41% uncertain. For the South China Sea, 33% saw a positive impact, 29% viewed it negatively, and 38% were unsure.
The survey included respondents from both developed nations such as the U.S., UK, Italy, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea, and from developing countries like Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, Chile, Nigeria, the UAE, and Vietnam.
Reference(s):
CGTN poll reveals broad criticism of Trump's first month in office
cgtn.com
