"Countries don't exist in a vacuum. Our domestic and foreign policies, our decisions, laws, and the way we talk about other nations have an impact on how those countries view us and interact with us. As far-right extremists and nationalist parties grow in number and violence around the world, particularly in America, it is important to remember how those actions impact our standing in the world."
"Our position as the "leader of the free world" is not a given. It was purchased with the blood of thousands of young people and the dedicated hard work of millions more. It falls to us to use that power and responsibility in a caring and intelligent way. One of the best ways to know if we're doing just that is to see what other people around the world think about the job we're doing."
"So, let's start with Europe, which has historically been home to our closest allies and strongest opponents. Of all the countries that call Europe home, which ones approve of U.S. leadership the most? All the data for this list was taken from Gallup and their "Rating World Leaders: The U.S. vs. Germany, China and Russia" report, published in 2024. This post was updated on September 12, 2025 to clarify the timeline of Austria's independence, Albanian/U.S. relations, and the Netherland's NATO membership."
Foreign approval of U.S. leadership influences decisions about where to go, what to do, and how to act on the world stage. Some countries maintain long-standing high approval based on past actions, while approval in other countries fluctuates with current events. Domestic and foreign policies, legislation, and rhetoric shape how other nations view and interact with the United States. Growth of far-right extremists and nationalist parties, particularly in the United States, affects American standing abroad. U.S. leadership status was secured through wartime sacrifice and collective effort and requires responsible, intelligent use. Gallup polling data from 2024 provides measurements of approval, with particular attention to European countries.
Read at 24/7 Wall St.
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