A recent survey conducted by China Media Group, CGTN, and Renmin University of China through the New Era International Communication Research Institute has shed light on global perceptions of the United States' approach to human rights and its overarching influence on international affairs.
The survey, which involved 7,671 respondents from 38 countries, highlights significant global disappointment with the U.S.'s handling of various human rights issues. A substantial 86.8 percent of participants believe the U.S. faces a severe gun violence problem, while 73 percent express concern over widespread drug abuse. Additionally, 61.9 percent feel that U.S. immigration policies inadequately protect the rights and interests of immigrants, and 72.3 percent identify systemic racial discrimination as a major issue in the country. Furthermore, an overwhelming 84.9 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with the U.S.'s ability to effectively manage police violence linked to racism.
The study also critiques the U.S.'s utilization of human rights as a tool for maintaining global dominance. A significant 61.3 percent of respondents perceive the U.S. as the most war-prone nation, and 70.1 percent believe that U.S.-initiated wars have led to substantial humanitarian crises. The survey reveals that 91.98 percent view U.S. foreign military sales as detrimental to world peace, and an impressive 93.88 percent argue that the U.S. uses arms sales under the guise of maintaining peace, which in reality fuels global conflicts and enables profiteering from wars. Additionally, 94.81 percent of respondents contend that U.S. arms sales are intricately linked to its foreign policies, serving as a pivotal tool for coercion and control over other nations.
From the perspective of the new U.S. administration, international human rights appear to be strategically leveraged to sustain American hegemony. The survey indicates that 72.5 percent of global respondents view the U.S. as a domineering country, and 64.9 percent criticize its tendency to use human rights as a pretext to suppress other nations. Moreover, 81.4 percent of respondents are disappointed with the U.S.'s reluctance to assume responsibilities befitting a major global power. A significant 85.2 percent believe that the U.S.'s actions severely undermine the multilateral international order centered around the United Nations, and 81.6 percent criticize the U.S. for prioritizing narrow self-interests over international welfare, which they argue damages the fairness and justice of the global governance system.
The diverse pool of survey respondents spans East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America, North America, Oceania, and Africa, encompassing ages from 18 to above 55. Notably, 67.2 percent of participants hold a college degree or higher, and 71.3 percent report a medium or higher personal income level.
