Global Balance of Power

Focus groups with young adults in France, Germany and the United Kingdom revealed that these young people see the U.S. as the “world’s policeman” with a self-interested history of interventionism, while China is labeled the “world’s factory,” respected for its economic dominance but criticized for its expansionism and human rights violations.

Only three-in-ten Americans say it is a very serious problem for the United States if Xi Jinping assumes a third term as China’s leader.

Large majorities in most of the 19 countries surveyed have negative views of China, but relatively few say bilateral relations are bad.

Nearly half of Americans (47%) say that the United States’ influence in the world has been getting weaker in recent years.

Many U.S. adults describe cyberattacks from other countries (71%) and the spread of misinformation online (70%) as major threats to the U.S.

Americans see China as a growing superpower – and increasingly say it is the world’s leading economy.

Amid tensions over a possible military invasion of Ukraine, Republicans and Democrats are largely in agreement about the threats posed by Russia.

The U.S. is seen positively in advanced economies for its technology, entertainment, military and universities, but negatively for its health care system, discrimination and the state of its democracy.

Fewer adults have confidence in Joe Biden to handle the U.S.-China relationship than other foreign policy issues.

Americans are divided in their outlooks, mainly along ideological lines, but are more united on opinions about China’s place in the world.