U.S. Net Perception Falls 38 Points to Minus-16, Ranked 3rd Threat to World Peace
Updated
Updated · Salon · May 31
U.S. Net Perception Falls 38 Points to Minus-16, Ranked 3rd Threat to World Peace
2 articles · Updated · Salon · May 31
A 94,000-person survey across 98 countries found global net perception of the U.S. dropped to minus-16 in early May from plus-22 two years earlier, placing it behind only Russia and Israel as a perceived threat to world peace.
The report ties that slide to a broader erosion in confidence in the U.S., with Politico polling showing only 18% in Germany, 21% in France and 25% in Canada saying America protects democracy.
That worsening image is showing up in behavior: U.S. tourist visits fell to 68 million in 2025 from a projected 77 million, and April arrivals were down 14% year over year despite the coming FIFA World Cup.
Some Americans are also seeking fallback options abroad, with nearly 20,000 applying for Irish citizenship in 2025, about 9,000 for British citizenship, and nearly 2,500 filing for Canadian citizenship in January alone.
The piece argues Trump accelerated the collapse in perceptions, but that the damage reflects a longer decline in America’s global standing stretching back decades.
As America's global image declines, which nations are benefiting from the shift in talent and tourism?
Is the exodus of skilled Americans a temporary reaction or a permanent change in global influence?
With the 'American Dream' fading for some, what new global ideals for success are emerging?