A poll taken in January for the non-profit organizations World Learning and the Aspen Institute, shows that the majority of Americans are concerned about the continuing decline in the United States’ reputation overseas, but also that Americans are optimistic that individuals can take action to address the decline.
According to the poll, 75 percent of Americans believe US foreign policy is driving dissatisfaction with America abroad and more than 60 percent believe that dislike of American values (39 percent) and of the American people (26 percent) is also to blame. The American public sees this distrust harming the US in tangible ways:
*66 percent believe that foreign governments will be less likely to support the United States’ diplomatic and military efforts abroad;
*63 percent worry that Americans will be less welcome in other parts of the world;
*61 percent worry that there is a greater likelihood of terrorist attacks in the US;
*36 percent believe negative perceptions of the US could prompt boycotts of American products and retailers.
According to the new findings, many Americans think that overseas experiences by average Americans, playing the role of citizen diplomats, can improve the United States’ image abroad. Nearly eight in 10 (77 percent) believe that studying or working abroad has a positive impact on Americans’ awareness and appreciation of other people and cultures. Conversely, 78 percent feel that when more Americans go abroad, they change local perceptions of US people and culture for the better. And when asked about the most effective means to improve relations with foreigners, 39 percent of Americans think that increasing business contacts with other countries is the best means of achieving that goal.
World Learning (www.worldlearning.org) is focused on bridging cultures and transforming lives. Today, World Learning operates study abroad and international development programs in 77 countries. Since 1932, more than 100,000 people have participated in World Learning programs. The organization runs various Middle Eastern and Islamic Study themed programs with ties to Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine and Yemen.
As for the Aspen Institute (www.aspeninstitute.org), founded in 1950, this international nonprofit organization is dedicated to fostering enlightened leadership and open-minded dialogue through seminars, policy programs, conferences and leadership development initiatives. Part of the Aspen Institute is the Middle East Strategy Group (MESG) which supports pragmatic economic and policy initiatives that tangibly advance prospects for peace in the Middle East.