A recent CGTN survey conducted among 15,257 respondents across 38 countries highlights the growing strain between the United States and Europe due to the U.S. \"America First\" policy under President Donald Trump.
Despite President Trump's presentation of his governance \"achievements\" during a joint session of Congress, global trust in the U.S. is declining, especially among its traditional allies in Europe.
\'America First\' Worsens the Trust Deficit
The survey indicates that 62.9% of global respondents disapprove of the \"America First\" policy, with European respondents expressing even higher disapproval at 67.7%. The U.S. approach of prioritizing its own interests, particularly in matters concerning Greenland and Ukraine, has disrupted the international order and eroded trust among European nations.
Furthermore, 53.8% of European respondents believe that U.S. trade barriers are negatively impacting the global economy. A significant 78.8% criticize the U.S. for leveraging international economic organizations to exert pressure, while 60.9% condemn the U.S. for instigating geopolitical conflicts. Additionally, 70.4% feel that \"American hegemony\" aims to undermine the current international order.
\'Interest-based Diplomacy\' Deepens Rifts with Allies
The adoption of an \"interest-based diplomacy\" approach has quickly eroded the longstanding alliances built on shared values and security interests. Actions such as imposing tariffs on allies, demanding increased military spending from Europe, and pursuing political and economic gains through mineral deals with Ukraine have contributed to this tension.
Among the six non-U.S. G7 countries surveyed, 57% of respondents feel pessimistic about their nation's bilateral ties with the U.S., with Germany and Canada showing the highest levels of concern at 66% each.
Moreover, 63.9% of respondents from G7 countries believe that the \"America First\" policy will lead the U.S. to neglect its traditional allies, with the highest agreement in the UK (71.4%), Canada (71%), and Japan (69%).
The surveys, titled \"the 2024 Global Impressions of the U.S. Poll\" and \"the Global Satisfaction Poll on Trump's First Month in Office\", were conducted by CGTN in collaboration with Renmin University of China, targeting individuals from both developed and developing nations.
Reference(s):
CGTN Poll: 'America First' policy strains U.S.-Europe relations
cgtn.com
