TODAY'S EDITORIAL: What Others Think...

There's some good news for America, but it might not cheer President Bush a great deal. The latest global attitudes survey by the Pew Research Centre reports that for the first time in this decade, America's approval ratings have shown improvement. It seems Bush's departure come January is playing its part. Except in countries that are deeply anti-American, people believe America's foreign policy will change for the better once Bush departs.
The percentage of aye votes for the US might not have increased dramatically, but there are encouraging signs that the world's superpower has begun to make up for lost ground. About 24,000 people in 24 countries were part of the survey and where there was comparative data available America's global image is improving. For instance, in South Korea, approval ratings for the US shot up by 12 points. Indians, Poles, Nigerians and South Africans were found to be those most favourably disposed to America while most of the Muslim Middle East and Pakistan remain deeply hostile.
Much of the animosity against America stems from a perception that it is unilateralist in its dealings with other nations; that it cares two hoots for the environment, and that its slowing economy is adversely affecting the prospects of others. China too gets a rap from those surveyed. There is mistrust of its policies and disapproval of its abysmal human rights records. Reactions to its growing economic clout though are mixed. While the West worries about the dragon's economic might, Asian countries like Japan and Indonesia welcome it.
The difference between the US and China though is that the former cares about what the world thinks of it. American policymakers and entrepreneurs - not to mention the public - want to know why they are unpopular. There is the inclination to hear what others say and subsequently, public diplomacy measures to mend the rent. That is the mark of a great power. America realises that its influence is on the wane. It also understands how crucial it is for its national interests to shore up its global image. We, who have great power aspirations, would do well to realise that perceptions matter in a globalised, digitised world. Our economic success story will add up to naught if negative perceptions of India abound. We have a tendency to take umbrage whenever criticisms from foreigners come our way. The mature - and indeed, self-serving - response would be to use them as reality checks and improve. For starters, we could start by figuring out why we are so unpopular with our neighbours. Big brothers listen.