Pew Global Attitudes Project Releases Major International Poll Examining Views of America, China and the Global Economy

Press Releases and Statements Read time:

Navigate to:

  • Table of Contents
Pew Global Attitudes Project Releases Major International Poll Examining Views of America, China and the Global Economy

The 2008 Pew Global Attitudes Survey is based on more than 24,000 interviews conducted in 24 nations from March 17-April 21, 2008.  The first report on this survey features attitudes toward the United States, international views on economic issues, and as the Olympics approach, views about China.  The report also covers a number of other important international issues, such as views of world leaders, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and environmental issues.

Here are some highlights of the poll:

Some encouraging signs for America's global image emerge, a first for this decade.

  • While America's image remains negative or mixed in most countries, favorable views of the United States have increased modestly since 2007 in 10 of 21 nations.
  • Many people around the world are paying close attention to the U.S. presidential election.
  • And - except in countries that are extremely anti-American - many believe the next president may well change U.S. foreign policy for the better.
  • Just about everywhere greater numbers express confidence in presidential candidate Barack Obama than in John McCain.
  • But as President Bush's second term nears its close, huge majorities around the world continue to express little or no confidence in him.

Global economic gloom; America takes the blame.

  • Majorities in most countries surveyed describe their current economic conditions as bad.
  • Assessments have worsened over the past year in 14 of 22 countries surveyed in both this year and 2007.
  • China and India are notable exceptions to this global pessimism.
  • The American economy is now seen as having a considerable influence - and a negative impact -- on national economies, both large and small, in all parts of the world.

China's image is slipping in many nations.

  • Global publics express considerable concern about Chinese policies and the impact China is having on their own countries and lives.
  • China's global image is becoming increasingly parallel to America's - favorable ratings are comparable, as China's image slips again, and both countries are seen as unilateralist and as having considerable influence on other nations.
  • But people in most countries surveyed approve of the decision to hold the Olympics in Beijing.
Downloads 2008 Pew Global Attitudes Survey
America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up

MORE FROM PEW

About a dozen people stand examining large blue bins full of whole fish in a warehouse. Some people are in green clothes, others in blue, and all wear ballcaps. A few hold clipboards. Reducing Risk Strengthens the Seafood Supply Chain
A worker in a seafood market dumps bright orange shrimp from a blue bin onto a bed of ice between a lot of other seafood laid out for sale. Other workers are visible in the background, as are the arms of shoppers placing orders from the other side of the ice bed. Seafood Industry Benefits From Greater Vessel Transparency
An aerial view of a vast wetland, with scattered vegetation visible on sandy islands. In Western Australia, a Conservation Model for the World
A presentation being given by a businesswoman to a group of participants at a business conference. Four Plan Features Can Boost 'Retirement Readiness'
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?

Pills illustration
Pills illustration

What Is Antibiotic Resistance—and How Can We Fight It?

Sign up for our four-week email series The Race Against Resistance.
Quick View
Pills illustration

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs,” are a major threat to modern medicine. But how does resistance work, and what can we do to slow the spread? Read personal stories, expert accounts, and more for the answers to those questions in our four-week email series: Slowing Superbugs.