Americans feel US has poor global image

Two-thirds of Americans think their country is viewed negatively elsewhere in the world, a poll showed today.

Two-thirds of Americans think their country is viewed negatively elsewhere in the world, a poll showed today.

Almost half of respondents to the survey by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion believe the global power and influence of the United States is decreasing

About 85 per cent of Americans consider China to be a global superpower, compared to 78 per cent who believe the United States is a world superpower.

Younger Americans are more likely than older Americans to say China is a superpower, the poll found.

"The idea that the US needs an economic recovery is not earth-shattering," said, Marist College director Lee Miringoff.

"But these numbers indicate that Americans also believe the US is in need of an image overhaul in the world community."

The United States popularity abroad has been tarnished by its central role in the global financial crisis and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The poll also showed 79 per cent of respondents oppose an idea by a senior Republican to have Ronald Reagan replace Ulysses S Grant on the $50 bill.

The poll of 956 people was conducted over three days in March.