Opinions of the United States, which improved markedly in 2009 in response to Barack Obama’s new presidency, have remained far more positive than they were for much of George W. Bush’s tenure. Across 20 nations surveyed in Pew Global Attitude polls in both 2007 and 2010, the median percentage expressing a favorable view of the U.S. rose from 40% to 60%. Confidence in the U.S. president also rose from 21% to 64%. Still, only 32% in these countries say the U.S. takes their own countries’ interests into account in setting its policies, though this proportion has risen modestly from 26% in 2007. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.