Survey Finds War With Iraq Further Divides Global Publics, World Embraces Democratic Values and Free Markets

6/3/2003

From: Pew Research Center, 202-293-3126

WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The speed of the war in Iraq and the widespread belief that the Iraqi people are better off as a result have modestly improved the image of America in the eyes of the world. But in most countries, opinions of the U.S. are markedly lower than they were a year ago. The war has widened the rift between Americans and Europeans, further inflamed the Muslim world, softened support for the war on terror, and significantly weakened support for the U.N. and North Atlantic alliance.

These are the principal findings from the latest survey of the Pew Global Attitudes Project, conducted among nearly 16,000 people over the past month in 20 countries and the Palestinian Authority. Released together with a broader survey of 44 nations conducted in 2002, it paints a mostly negative picture of America's image, but shows broad support for ideas that the U.S. has espoused, including democracy and free markets.

The new poll finds that public confidence in the United Nations is a major casualty of the war in Iraq. Positive ratings for the world body have tumbled in nearly every country for which benchmark measures are available. Majorities or pluralities in every country surveyed say the war showed the U.N. to be not so important any more.

In addition, there is growing sentiment -- on both sides of the Atlantic -- for a more independent relationship between the U.S. and Western Europe. Majorities in five of seven NATO nations surveyed support a more independent relationship with the U.S. on diplomatic and security matters, including 76 percent in France. An increasing number of Americans also desire a less close partnership with Western Europe -- 53 percent say that now, down from 62 percent before the war.

America's image, which had declined precipitously in most Western European countries before the war, has recovered a bit since its conclusion. But fewer than half in Germany (45 percent), France (43 percent) and Spain (38 percent) feel favorably toward the U.S. The bottom has fallen out of support for the U.S. in the Muslim world. Negative views of the U.S. in the Muslim world -- which had been largely confined to the Middle East -- are now echoed by Muslim populations in Indonesia and Nigeria. Since last summer, favorable ratings for the U.S. have fallen from 61 percent to 15 percent in Indonesia and from 71 percent to 38 percent among Muslims in Nigeria.

The postwar poll also shows that a growing percentage of Muslims believe that, in the wake of the conflict, there are serious threats to Islam. Specifically, majorities in eight of nine Muslim populations surveyed express worries that their country might be attacked by the United States.

Despite soaring anti-Americanism, the Muslim world displays a considerable appetite for American-style political freedoms. Majorities in most Muslim populations say democracy can work in their countries, including 54 percent in the Palestinian Authority. The postwar survey shows these democratic aspirations remain strong despite the war and its attendant controversies.

The broader, 44-nation survey finds broad support for democracy and free markets in every corner of the world. Majorities in 33 of the 44 nations surveyed say people are better off in a free market, even if that leads to disparities in wealth and income. And people everywhere view the growth in foreign trade, global communications and international popular culture as good for them personally and for their countries.

Among the other findings of the latest Pew Global Attitudes survey:

-- Most non-Muslim publics believe that Iraqis will be better off now that Saddam Hussein has been removed from power. Even in countries that opposed the war, such as France and Germany, most people believe Iraqis' lives will improve.

-- Solid majorities of Muslims in the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Indonesia -- and nearly half of those in Pakistan and Morocco -- say they have at least some confidence in Osama bin Laden to "do the right thing regarding world affairs."

-- People in most countries rate Vladmir Putin, Gerhard Schroeder, Jacques Chirac and Tony Blair more highly than they do President Bush. The president also ranks behind Tony Blair in the United States, because Blair wins strong bipartisan support but Bush does not.

-- Overwhelming majorities in several Muslim populations -- including Morocco (93 percent), Jordan (91 percent) and Turkey (82 percent) -- express disappointment Iraqi forces did not put up more of a fight against the U.S. and its allies. That view is not limited to Muslim countries, however. Nearly six-in-ten in South Korea (58 percent), half in Brazil and 45 percent in Russia also voice disappointment in the weak Iraqi resistance.

-- The legacy of communism is evident in the political attitudes of many Eastern Europeans. Only about half of Russians and Ukrainians approve of the political changes that have occurred since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

-- Large corporations from other countries are viewed favorably in most places. So too are international financial organizations like the World Bank, IMF, and WTO. By contrast, anti-globalization protestors are viewed unfavorably in most countries.

"Views of a Changing World, June 2003" is the second major report of the Pew Global Attitudes Project. It follows "What the World Thinks in 2002," released Dec. 4, 2002. In total, the Pew Global Attitudes Project has interviewed more than 66,000 people in 49 nations and the Palestinian Authority. These surveys are supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with supplemental support from the Hewlett Foundation. Reports of the Pew Global Attitudes Project are available at http://www.people-press.org.