June 2004

Rolling Back Anti-Americanism

John Lenczowski, Paul Hollander, Radek Sikorski, Karlyn Bowman, Michael Horowitz

Growing anti-Americanism around the world is sometimes dismissed as a predictable expression of envy for the world's sole superpower. Others believe that the trend has deeper roots, and will permanently hurt American influence. Should the United States invest more resources in promoting America's image and ideals abroad? On June 8, the New Atlantic Initiative held a panel to find efficient solutions to counter anti-Americanism.
 
Karlyn H. Bowman
AEI
 
Anti-Americanism has become the lowest common denominator of global solidarity. Pew Polls conducted in 1991 in nine European countries showed favorable attitudes toward the United States; twelve years later they have reversed in eight of these nations. The intensity of anti-Americanism varies from place to place, but the populations of semi- or non-democratic countries have a more favorable view of the United States than the peoples in countries considered to be America's traditional allies. Among the causes of this negative trend are: the incomparable power possessed by the United States, the perception of its lack of commitment to multilateralism, its military and economic "imperialism," and what Americans see as the U.S. cultural, religious, and political exceptionalism.
 
Paul Hollander
Author of Understanding Anti-Americanism: Its Origins and Impact at Home and Abroad
 
The sources of anti-Americanism are both rational and irrational. Rational anti-Americanism can be traced to the disproportionate impact of American policies on international affairs. Disagreement with and criticism of American government and policy is as common abroad as it is in America itself. Irrational anti-Americanism, however, is caused by the perception that America stands for modernity. A large number of people in the world want American culture and technology, but modernity is perceived as a source of discontent, causing the breakdown of family and societal structures and the loss of traditional values. There is not much Americans can do to counter this type of anti-Americanism. Anti-Americanism is also a domestic trend, and there are an overwhelmingly disproportionate number of domestic anti-Americans among college faculty. Being among the greatest benefactors of America's freedoms and wealth, the college professors' anti-Americanism seems to be the most irrational of all. 
 
John Lenczowski
Institute of World Politics
 
People all over the world have a distorted picture of America, which could be modified if the United States pursued a more active public diplomacy. What America needs is a long-term campaign involving all members of the U.S. Foreign Service to forge friendships with foreigners and build relationships based on trust, ultimately leading to the development of a common democratic ideology. The United States has done a good job at public diplomacy in the past, especially under the Reagan administration. Public diplomacy's best tools at that time were international broadcasting. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America probably did more to destroy the Iron Curtain than the military build-up.  Today, greater emphasis has to be laid on exchange programs. 
 
Michael Horowitz
Hudson Institute
 
America should not counter anti-Americanism by altering its policies but by explaining them and standing up for them. By firmly defending liberty and morality, the United States can win the hearts of those who have been blinded by anti-Americanism. Anti-Americanism is not extensive or deep-it is mostly cheap propaganda. American diplomats should spend more time debating students on campuses abroad, and support foreign dissidents who fight for freedom and democracy.