The United States’ global perception has seen a dramatic shift in recent years, with a new survey revealing that more people worldwide now view China and Russia more positively than the U.S. The annual survey, conducted by the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, polled over 94,000 people in 85 countries. This year’s results underline the growing dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy, with 82 of the surveyed countries holding negative views of America.

One of the key themes highlighted in the survey is the decline of the U.S.’s "soft power," a term coined by Harvard’s Joseph Nye in the 1980s. Soft power refers to a nation's ability to influence others through attraction, culture, and diplomacy rather than military force or coercion. The U.S. has historically been a leader in this area, but recent shifts in foreign policy under President Trump have diminished America's cultural appeal and diplomatic influence.

The ongoing conflict with Iran, marked by U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets, has further strained the country’s image abroad. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, during airstrikes in February have intensified these tensions. Despite Trump's military successes, critics argue that relying on hard power and military might rather than diplomacy and negotiation has alienated many global partners.

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed his concern, noting the decline in U.S. perception globally and emphasizing that Trump's foreign policy decisions have increasingly isolated the U.S. from traditional allies. Meanwhile, foreign policy experts, including Stephen Walt of Harvard, argue that the U.S. has surrendered one of its core international strengths—soft power—by emphasizing force over diplomatic efforts.

In 2026, the focus of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day will continue to highlight the theme of "Keeping Humanity Alive." As for the U.S., its future diplomatic endeavors may face significant challenges as the rest of the world turns its gaze toward more collaborative, less confrontational powers.

This shift in perception is a reminder that treating military force as an act of pride rather than a last resort may be harming the U.S.’s long-term international relationships. With global leaders questioning the U.S.’s diplomatic approach, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will reassess its strategy for global leadership.