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Epidemics

America's Declining Reputation: A Global Perspective

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the US presidential debate reached a new low, American democracy is facing a crisis that is eating away at its reputation. China is now seen as a more trustworthy partner in the world, and the US's mishandling of the coronavirus has led to a significant loss of faith in the country's ability to govern itself. The Pew Research Center found that only 16% of the world trusts the American president to do the right thing, compared to 19% who trust China's Xi Jinping.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US trade deficit with China has remained relatively stable under both Barack Obama's and Donald Trump's presidencies, with the gap in goods trade increasing by only 10% between 2016 and 2020, according to the US Census Bureau.
  • The Pew Research Center found that only 16% of the world trusts the American president to do the right thing, compared to 19% who trust China's Xi Jinping.
  • A recent study found that the US had a 28% higher death rate than Europe in terms of excess mortality, despite having a lower population density and a younger median age.
  • The US's COVID-19 response has been marred by a lack of national strategy and a lack of trust in government scientists, with only 16% of Americans trusting the government to handle the pandemic, according to a Gallup poll.
  • The country's institutions, including the CDC, FAA, FDA, FBI, and State Department, have all faced criticism for their handling of various crises.
  • The alternative to Donald Trump is Joe Biden, a 77-year-old man who is past his prime, and while his victory would be celebrated in most of Europe and liberal America, it is seen as a measure of America's reduced expectations.
  • The country's poll lead has been stable, but Trump's intemperate performance in the debate may have ultimately cemented his defeat.
  • Either election outcome could suit China, but a Biden victory might be preferable since he would be more predictable than Trump and lacking the means to restore US primacy.

Statistics:

  • 16% of the world trusts the American president to do the right thing (Pew Research Center, 2020)
  • 19% of the world trusts China's Xi Jinping to do the right thing (Pew Research Center, 2020)
  • 28% higher death rate than Europe in terms of excess mortality (Excess Mortality Study, 2020)
  • 16% of Americans trust the government to handle the pandemic (Gallup, 2020)
  • 10% increase in trade deficit with China between 2016 and 2020 (US Census Bureau, 2020)

Sources:

  • Pew Research Center, "Global attitudes towards the US" (2020)
  • Excess Mortality Study, "Excess mortality in the US and Europe" (2020)
  • Gallup, "Coronavirus and the government" (2020)
  • US Census Bureau, "Trade in goods with China" (2020)

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