A recent global survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) thinktank has shed light on how the international community perceives the United States and China under the presidency of Donald Trump. The findings suggest that, rather than America emerging as a great nation once again, it is in fact China that is benefiting from Mr Trump's brand of "America First" policy.
The 21-country survey, which involved nearly 26,000 respondents across 13 European countries, the US, China, India, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, and South Korea, reveals a striking shift in perceptions. Most Europeans view the US as less reliable and less fearful by its traditional adversaries. Instead, they see their former allies in Europe as more distant.
The survey also indicates that majorities in almost every territory surveyed expect China's global influence to grow over the next decade, with significant support coming from countries such as South Africa (83%), Brazil (72%), and Turkey (63%). In contrast, only 54% of respondents in the US share this optimism, while a majority (53%) in the EU states see China leading the world in electric vehicles and renewable energies.
The ECFR report highlights that many Europeans are no longer concerned about China's rise, with few viewing it as a rival or adversary. Instead, they see China as an ally or necessary partner, reflecting growing economic ties between the two nations.
This shift in perceptions is particularly notable in Russia, where respondents now view Europe as more of an enemy than the US, and Ukrainians are increasingly looking to Brussels for support rather than Washington.
In contrast to the US, where the status of American influence has declined across almost all surveyed countries, Indians still see their relationship with America as strong. However, even they no longer expect it to grow further under Mr Trump's leadership.
The ECFR report warns that this shift in perceptions reflects a world in which US actions are boosting China. The authors caution that European leaders must now be "realistic and daring" as they navigate a rapidly changing global landscape. They emphasize the need for Europe to become a pole in its own right, rather than simply managing the multipolar world.
Overall, the findings of this survey paint a picture of a world in which America's influence is waning, while China is emerging as a rising power. As the ECFR report so starkly puts it, "Europe could end up squeezed or simply ignored" if they fail to adapt to these seismic shifts in global politics.
The 21-country survey, which involved nearly 26,000 respondents across 13 European countries, the US, China, India, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, and South Korea, reveals a striking shift in perceptions. Most Europeans view the US as less reliable and less fearful by its traditional adversaries. Instead, they see their former allies in Europe as more distant.
The survey also indicates that majorities in almost every territory surveyed expect China's global influence to grow over the next decade, with significant support coming from countries such as South Africa (83%), Brazil (72%), and Turkey (63%). In contrast, only 54% of respondents in the US share this optimism, while a majority (53%) in the EU states see China leading the world in electric vehicles and renewable energies.
The ECFR report highlights that many Europeans are no longer concerned about China's rise, with few viewing it as a rival or adversary. Instead, they see China as an ally or necessary partner, reflecting growing economic ties between the two nations.
This shift in perceptions is particularly notable in Russia, where respondents now view Europe as more of an enemy than the US, and Ukrainians are increasingly looking to Brussels for support rather than Washington.
In contrast to the US, where the status of American influence has declined across almost all surveyed countries, Indians still see their relationship with America as strong. However, even they no longer expect it to grow further under Mr Trump's leadership.
The ECFR report warns that this shift in perceptions reflects a world in which US actions are boosting China. The authors caution that European leaders must now be "realistic and daring" as they navigate a rapidly changing global landscape. They emphasize the need for Europe to become a pole in its own right, rather than simply managing the multipolar world.
Overall, the findings of this survey paint a picture of a world in which America's influence is waning, while China is emerging as a rising power. As the ECFR report so starkly puts it, "Europe could end up squeezed or simply ignored" if they fail to adapt to these seismic shifts in global politics.
! The way Europeans see America and China now is just wild. I mean, who knew that Trump's 'America First' policy would make China look all powerful and stuff? 
It's like they're seeing the writing on the wall and realizing that the US ain't as great as we thought it was 
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. And those countries like South Africa and Brazil that are super optimistic about China's growth... I'm loving the vibes 
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. Europe might get squeezed or ignored if they don't step up their game, but I think it's time for the US to take a hard look at itself too 
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. What do you guys think? Should we be worried about America's influence waning? 
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. But what I do know is that Europe needs to start thinking about itself instead of just trying to balance the scales between America and China. They can't just sit back and wait for things to happen – they need to take charge themselves 
. We'll see how this all plays out, but one thing's for sure: Europe needs to get its act together if it wants to stay relevant in the years to come 
. Its not just the Europeans who see America as less reliable, even Indians are getting skeptical 
. Meanwhile China is being seen as a rising star 
. Its not surprising though, considering how much of a focus there was on trade and tariffs during his presidency 
. The EU needs to step up its game and become more of a player in global politics 
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meanwhile europe needs to step up its game or risk getting left behind 
the ECFR report is saying europe needs 2 step up its game or risk being ignored 
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. It's like, we need to start being our own thing instead of just managing the multipolar world 
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