Rockefeller Foundation President: America is losing its global standing. Here’s how to fix it
One-third of the world sees America as a threat. Here’s how we can win back their trust.
In a recent survey conducted by the Rockefeller Foundation, 35,000 respondents from 34 countries were asked to rank which country poses the greatest threat. The United States emerged as the number one concern in half of those countries, with one in three people worldwide viewing the U.S. as a threat—more than China. This statistic is alarming given the long-standing American belief in itself as the "last best hope on earth."
The Rockefeller Foundation, as a philanthropy, recognizes the importance of data in shaping its efforts. However, the survey results have prompted a reflection on the current state of American global standing. The agency supports surveys to gauge public perception of world events, but the findings were particularly disheartening.
The U.S. has historically been admired globally for its commitment to universal human dignity, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Abraham Lincoln even framed this experiment as a global hope. Following World War II, the U.S. played a pivotal role in establishing international institutions like the United Nations, which embodied the dream of universal human dignity.
Throughout the Cold War, America's moral authority was bolstered by its alliance with countries that shared this commitment. The "Pax Americana" was sustained not only by military power but also by the emotional connection people felt towards America's values. Investments in global efforts, such as the Marshall Plan, global disease-prevention initiatives, and the rebuilding of Europe, demonstrated the tangible benefits of this approach.
However, recent years have seen a shift from leading by example to adopting a more fearful approach. The U.S. has spent significant amounts on war, causing civilian casualties, economic instability, and a drain on resources that could be better spent on essential global aid. This shift has resulted in a loss of moral authority and weakened the foundation of American global standing.
The Rockefeller Foundation acknowledges the importance of reforming foreign aid to ensure it is both effective and sustainable. A June 2026 poll revealed that 72% of Americans believe foreign aid makes them more secure, while 81% of respondents, including 80% of Trump supporters, would prefer reforming foreign aid rather than eliminating it.
This shift in perspective necessitates a new, modern approach to foreign policy that prioritizes underlying issues like energy access, utilizes technological advancements, and engages a broader range of actors beyond traditional donor countries.
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