Global BBC poll shows improved U.S. image
The wide-ranging survey, conducted in 34 countries, also found that Russia's status has significantly increased.
from the April 2, 2008 edition
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An overwhelming 91 percent of Chinese citizens and 78 percent of Russians say their country is having a positive influence on the world. Where do they get their chutzpah from? Culture and economics, say analysts.
"It's clear that there is a nationalism going on in China and in Russia that doesn't necessarily speak to authoritarianism," says Doug Miller, president of GlobeScan, an international polling firm that also helped conduct the survey. "They are chuffed about themselves, that much is clear. Whether it is problematic is another question."
Oleg Savelyev thinks it is. A researcher with the independent Levada public opinion center in Moscow, which took part in the polling project, he says that public opinion has been manipulated by the authorities. "They control 95 percent of the mass media, information is monopolized, they are manipulating the statistical figures to make people believe that life is better. The influence of propaganda should also be taken into account."
US views of British worsen
Among the more curious survey findings: Americans are getting sniffy about their transatlantic cousins, the British. Why? Most other countries have a favourable view of Britain, elevating the country to fifth spot behind Germany, Japan, the European Union, and France. Yet among Americans, only 45 percent had a positive view of the British, down from 67 percent the previous year. Is it because of all the reality TV shows exported across the pond in recent years?
Analysts think not. One reason may be detectable in the British decision to scale down its involvement in Iraq. Another may be the decision to install a leader who is not Tony Blair. Blair was, after all, far more popular in Washington than in Westminster.
"Our sense is that it may be down to the clear change that Gordon Brown has signaled right from the beginning, when he took over from Tony Blair," says Mr. Miller.
"His announcement of withdrawing troops from Iraq appears to have registered with Americans; whether this is a momentary blip we'll have to wait and see," he adds.
Fred Weir contributed from Moscow.Highlights from an international report card
In its annual poll on global attitudes, the BBC World Service found that the percentage of those holding positive views of the US increased in 11 of 23 countries polled last time.
Country Positive view Percent change
Biggest increase: S. Korea 49 percent 14 percent
Biggest decrease: India 18 percent -12 percent
Most support: Kenya 80 percent 10 percent
Least support: Mexico 10 percent -2 percent
Source: BBC World Service poll, conducted in 34 countries including Canada, the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Russia, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia.
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