214. Briefing Paper Prepared in the Office of Research, Associate Directorate for Programs, International Communication Agency1
DECLINING U.S. POWER IS THE TREND IN FOREIGN PERCEPTIONS
Surveys of foreign public opinion have found widespread evidence of perceptions of declining U.S. power—overall power as well as the elements of nuclear, military, and economic strength.
Perceptions of Declining U.S. Overall Power
U.S. ratings as most powerful have suffered major declines in seven countries for which trends are available. In consequence, while the U.S. still retains some lead in France, Israel and Mexico City, it has slipped behind the USSR in Britain, West Germany and Australia, and dropped to about even in Japan. The failed U.S. effort to rescue the hostages in Iran, which occurred later, might have accentuated the downward trends.
Perceptions of Declining Elements of U.S. Power
Foreign views of declining U.S. overall power are paralleled by similar losses in major components of the power image.
• Surveys in 1979 found pluralities in Germany, France, and Italy viewing the U.S. and USSR as “about equal” in nuclear power—the British predominantly see the Soviet ahead. But in all four countries, there has been a decline in ratings of U.S. nuclear strength compared with 1972 and 1977.
• When last measured in 1977, surveys found marked losses (since 1969) in U.S. vs. USSR military strength with the USSR more often than the U.S. viewed as ahead, in Britain, France and West Germany. Only in Italy did the U.S. retain a slight edge.
• U.S. economic power is also seen as declining in 1979 and 1980 surveys in Western Europe and Japan, with West Germany emerging as a major competitor. While ratings of the U.S. as strongest economically prevail among the Japanese, U.S. standing is far behind West Germany among the British, about equal among the French and the West Germans, and has only a slight edge among the Italians.
[Page 642]The Seeming Paradox of U.S.–USSR Military Equivalence
Early 1970 surveys in Western Europe and elsewhere have indicated a predominant preference for military equivalence over U.S. or USSR superiority. Accompanying comments suggest not so much anti-Americanism as the belief that peace is better assured through a balance of power. There is, however, the suggestion in other data that lessened perceptions of U.S. superiority may be accompanied by lessened respect and lessened confidence in U.S. wisdom in world affairs.
- Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Research and Media Reaction, Briefing Papers, 1979–1999, Entry P–49, Box 1, B–28–80. No classification marking.↩