America’s standing on the world stage has taken a significant hit, with international opinions of the United States now ranking lower than those of Russia, according to a new study released Friday.
The annual Democracy Perception Index, conducted by Denmark’s Alliance of Democracies Foundation, shows this marks the second year in a row that America’s global reputation has declined. The research also found that the United States ranks among the top countries considered a major global threat, following Russia and Israel.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who founded the alliance and previously served as NATO Secretary General, expressed disappointment but not surprise at the findings.
“The fast decline of the United States’ perception around the world is saddening but not shocking,” Rasmussen stated.
He pointed to recent American foreign policy decisions as contributing factors, saying: “U.S. foreign policy over the past 18 months has, among other things, called into question the transatlantic relationship, imposed widespread tariffs, and threatened to invade a NATO ally’s territory.”
Several specific policy moves have created tension with international partners, including trade tariffs implemented by President Trump, his ongoing statements about potentially taking control of Greenland from Denmark (a NATO member), reduced assistance to Ukraine, and the military conflict with Iran that has led to higher oil prices worldwide.
The strain on international relationships deepened when Trump expressed frustration with European nations for not deploying naval forces to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for global shipping during the Iran conflict. In April, the president even suggested the possibility of America leaving NATO, which further damaged alliance relationships.
The survey’s numerical rankings place the United States at negative 16 percent, a dramatic shift from positive 22 percent just two years earlier. Russia scored negative 11 percent, while China received a positive 7 percent rating, though the study didn’t explain the favorable view of China.
Nira Data, the polling company that conducted the research, gathered responses from more than 94,000 people across 98 nations between March 19 and April 21. The portion measuring country perceptions included 46,600 participants from 85 different countries.
The findings were made public in advance of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit scheduled for May 12.
