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It seems there’s no love for America abroad, or at least there’s less of it, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center. The United States’ global image has seen a steady decline since 2003 — when the Iraq invasion began — and has diminished even among longstanding allies like Britain, France and Germany.
Surveying 39 countries among 37,653 respondents, the study released on Thursday shows the percentage of people who view the U.S. positively has dropped over the last decade. The most negative impression stems from parts of the Muslim world, particularly Pakistan, Jordan and Egypt. Pakistan’s unfavorable view is no surprise, with deep-rooted tensions intensifying over the use of drones.
(MORE: Americans Abroad: When Goodwill Turns Into Gaffe)
Drone attacks, it seems, have also been an international point of contention. Half or more of people in 31 of the 39 countries surveyed disapprove of U.S. drone strikes against extremist groups. In fact, the only nations in which a majority support the use of drones are Israel (64%), Kenya (56%) and the U.S. (61%).
President Obama hasn’t helped build a more favorable impression of America, either. According to the report, his international approval ratings are lower now than when he first took office. In fact, approval of his international policies has declined by double digits in Britain, Poland and France; in China, it has dropped to half of what it was in 2009.
But don’t fret, the U.S. still has plenty of friends. Here’s a look at the top 10 countries that are pro (and anti) American.
Nations with a positive perception of the U.S.:
1. Philippines (85%*)
2. Israel (83%)
3. Ghana (83%)
4. Senegal (81%)
5. Kenya (81%)
6. El Salvador (79%)
7. South Korea (78%)
8. Italy (76%)
9. Uganda (73%)
10. Brazil (73%)
*Percentage of those surveyed in that nation who have a favorable view of the U.S.
Nations with a least positive perception of the U.S:
1. Pakistan (11%*)
2. Jordan (14%)
3. Palestinian territories (16%)
4. Egypt (16%)
5. Turkey (21%)
6. Greece (39%)
7. China (40%)
8. Argentina (41%)
9. Tunisia (42%)
10. Lebanon (47%)
*Percentage of those surveyed in that nation who have a favorable view of the U.S.