In a troubling trend for President Joe Biden’s administration and the United States as a whole, the newest Gallup Rating World Leaders survey examining worldwide approval ratings, shows America in a stalemate with a median global approval rating of 41%.
In his ongoing efforts to repair alliances and restore the U.S. image on the world stage, Biden is confronted with a formidable challenge as researchers insist that consistent approval ratings in the low 40s pose significant diplomatic obstacles. The news is especially troubling as the U.S. heads toward perhaps its most consequential presidential election in history. And, despite initiatives to strengthen diplomatic ties, engage with international partners, and restore America’s brutally damaged international reputation that his predecessor nearly destroyed, the Biden administration’s ability to secure a broader global endorsement remains severely constrained.
The report contrasts Biden’s approval ratings with his twice-impeached and four-times-indicted predecessor Donald Trump. While Biden’s median approval rating remains at 41%, Trump’s tenure netted the United States even lower scores. The contrast highlights the complexities of global sentiment and the challenges facing the Biden administration in navigating a landscape characterized by fluctuating public perceptions that continue to be shaped by those on the world stage who remain dumbfounded that Americans could choose Trump again.
The Biden administration has long aimed to restore American leadership in the Indo-Pacific region, and near-record-high approval ratings in Asia in 2021 suggested it had the momentum. However, progress slowed in 2022, resulting in lower approval ratings.
Researchers found that although the 37% median approval rating of U.S. leadership across Asia in 2023 was marginally higher than the previous year’s 35%, the image of the U.S. remained weaker than in 2021: Just as many in the region disapproved (37%) as approved. The majorities in eight Asian countries approved of U.S. leadership in 2023, and almost all were repeats from 2022, except Kuwait: Israel (81%), the Philippines (67%), Vietnam (64%), Cambodia (63%), Mongolia (58%), Sri Lanka (58%), Kuwait (58%) and Myanmar (55%).
Ratings of U.S. leadership showed substantial improvement in just four countries in 2023: Israel, Kuwait, Nepal, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Gallup found a record 81% approval rating for the U.S. in Israel, shortly after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. In addition to picking up few new gains, approval ratings declined substantially among three countries in the region, including key partner India, where approval ratings had reached a record high the previous year. Consequently, the image of U.S. leadership in Asia continued to be the worst in Iran (10%) and in the State of Palestine (11%).
Meanwhile, Germany’s leadership remains the most popular in Europe, with a median approval of 60% in 2023, up from 56% the previous year but still lagging the 63% measured in the last year of Angela Merkel’s tenure. The U.S. remained in second place, with a median 41% approval. China’s approval rating remained unchanged from the previous year, although disapproval rose seven points. Russia’s rating was 7% — the same level as in 2022 after it invaded Ukraine.
“With the results in from Russia’s March 2024 election, the world already knows it will have President Vladimir Putin to deal with for at least the next six years. What will happen in November 2024 in the U.S. is far less certain,” researchers wrote. “The results could fundamentally reshape U.S. foreign policy — again — and change its role in the global order.”
Further, researchers asserted that the world could also see changes in Germany. Although Germany’s elections will not take place until late next year, “a resurgence of the country’s far-right is raising questions about its future leadership and role in Europe and abroad.”
The report’s statistical insights included:
- Stagnant Approval Rating: The median approval rating for U.S. leadership remains at 41%, unchanged from the previous year, signaling a lack of significant progress in garnering broader global endorsement.
- Biden vs. Trump: President Biden’s approval ratings mirror a pattern of stability, contrasting with the lower median approval ratings observed during the Trump administration’s tenure.
- Global Comparison: While the United States grapples with stagnant approval ratings, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz maintains a consistent median approval rating of 46%, solidifying the country’s position as the top-rated global power.
“The lack of change in approval ratings of major powers in 2023 may be the world holding its breath in anticipation of a potential shake-up in the global order,” the researchers determined.