In wake of stronger growth, more Americans and Europeans say U.S. is top economic power
For the first time in six years, more people in America say that the U.S. – not China – is the world’s leading economic power, according to our new survey.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
China
-
-
Key takeaways on how the world views the U.S. and China
The U.S. image abroad remains mostly positive, although it has suffered somewhat from negative views of post-9/11 interrogation methods. China also is seen positively, though not on the issue of protecting individual freedoms.
-
Global Publics Back U.S. on Fighting ISIS, but Are Critical of Post-9/11 Torture
Ratings for the U.S. remain mostly positive, with a global median of 69% expressing a favorable view. Countries also express broad support for America’s military efforts against ISIS, but are critical of the U.S. government’s use of torture after 9/11.
-
European Millennials more likely than older generations to view China favorably
About half of young Europeans ages 18 to 33 have a positive view of China, but that view is tempered by their opinions about that country’s human rights record.
-
China’s government may be communist, but its people embrace capitalism
China’s incredible economic expansion has led the Chinese to be overwhelmingly happy with their economic situation and optimistic about their future, but there are underlying complaints about inflation, inequality and corruption.
-
U.S., China compete to woo Africa
Neither world power has a clear advantage when it comes to the hearts and minds of people in Africa.
-
Global Opposition to U.S. Surveillance and Drones, but Limited Harm to America’s Image
Revelations about the scope of American electronic surveillance efforts have generated headlines around the world. A new Pew Research Center survey finds widespread decline in the view that the U.S. respects the personal freedoms of its people. But in most countries there is little evidence this opposition has severely harmed America’s overall image.
-
Americans, especially young adults, back strong economic ties with China
About half of Americans (51%) say it is more important to build a stronger relationship with China on economic issues, while 41% say it is more important to get tougher with China.
-
How America’s opinion of China has changed since Tiananmen
As the Tiananmen protests unfolded in 1989, most Americans wanted to show support for the pro-democracy movement. But in the years since, economic ties and economic competition have become the dominant topics between the two nations, while at the same time the relationship has become more distrustful.
