America has an immense global presence. As the richest country in the world, the US dominates the global economy, as well as international trade, finance, and industry. This means that people all over the world know of America. The US also has a history of interfering in the affairs of other nations. So, why when you meet people in the other countries do they often speak highly of the US? Why, in fact, is America hugely popular around the world?
1. The Prevalence of American Popular Culture
A first reason why the US is popular is because of American culture is consumed all around the world.
American TV, films, music, food, and art are everywhere. Hollywood dominates the worldwide movie business and American TV shows are watched in almost every country. A lot of the most famous music in the world is from the United States.
As people consume American entertainment, they gain an understanding of American culture. This means people around the world develop a feeling and connection with America, and this makes the country popular in many places.
Every part of the world has its own cuisine. However, American food – especially fast food, has reached almost every corner of the planet. This also gives people a connection with America and means there is something they like that is American. Although some people decry American food, it’s prevalence is a major reason why the US is popular.
Many parts of the world have been consuming American popular culture for decades. Literally billions of people have grown up with American entertainment and food. This is a crucial factor in making the US a popular country.
2. US Products and Businesses Are Used Around the World
A second reason why the US is popular around the world is because many people use American products and know American companies.
The United States exports 1.6 trillion dollars’ worth of products each year. Almost every country in the world has US products for sale and millions of people every day buy and use American made goods. Like with US popular cultural, the use of American products around the world means people build an a connection with America. This connection is key to why the US is popular in many countries.
As well as American products being used all over the world, American businesses have a global presence. World famous brands such as Apple, Microsoft, McDonald’s, and Coca Cola are present in almost every country. As well as famous household names, American companies make a huge range of consumer and industrial goods. American companies are well known for their high standards, innovation and reliability, and this good image helps to make America a popular country.
The global dominance of US products, services and companies, and the quality of what America produces, is why many people around the world like America.
3. Many People Have Relatives in America
A third reason why lots of people really like America is because they have relatives that live there.
The United States is a nation built on immigration. Early waves of immigration to America mainly came from Europe. However, recent decades have seen significant movements of people from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Far East.
Millions of people around the world have family that live in America or are close to someone who is American. This makes them connected to the country. It’s a key reason why America is popular.
Family and friends are hugely important to everyone. People stay in touch with relatives and loved ones, even when they move overseas. Regularly speaking to and hearing from people who live in America gives many people a fuller understanding of what life in the US is like. Few nations have such a widely diverse immigrant population. The personal connections this gives millions of people around the world to America is a major reason why the country is well liked.
4. American Interventionism Has Benefited Some Countries
Another reason why America is popular in some parts of the world is because American military involvement has massively benefited some countries.
Since 1945, America has intervened military in 36 countries. Some of these interventions, such as in Vietnam, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba, have bread huge resentment towards the United States. However, in some countries, such as South Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait and Panama, America has helped to topple terrible regimes and install democratic ones or helped to repel invading armies.
Some countries around the world owe their survival to America. Others, such as Kosovo or Kuwait, owe their existence to US intervention. In places like these the United States is hugely popular. Many in the world view American interventionism as a cause of many of the world’s problems. However, there are parts of the world in which it is largely celebrated. These are some of the countries where America is the most popular.
The US provides security guarantees to many countries. The protection offered by American military power is a further reason why the country is well liked in many parts of the world.
5. American Ideals Are Respected
America was founded on a set of ideals. Although its questionable the degree to which America has been able to live up to these, the foundational theories that America is built on is actually a major reason why it is popular around the world.
The United States prides itself as a country that represents individual freedoms, the rule of law and protection of property. These ideals are wished for by many people around the world. Millions aspire to live in a country where they are ingrained. However, huge numbers of people do not live in countries where freedoms such as these are respected. This makes many people have a favourable view of the United States.
Although there are many people all over the world who critique America’s failing – both in the present day and in the country’s history, however almost everyone in the world can feel connected to the fundamental ideas of America. This makes people like the country and is a reason why it is popular.
In countries where the US have assisted in establishing a culture of individual freedoms, especially where there previously were not, America is often widely liked.
6. The US Is Enormously Wealthy
The United States is the richest country in the world. This is actually a key reason why it is popular.
The wealth of the US gives it immense global power. It also allows the country to influence events around the world and dominate the international economy. The economic reach of the United States means that it has a truly global presence. This means people in many countries are aware of America and feel it’s impact in their economic lives. This can be a reason why people feel connected to America and why it is popular in some places.
The United States uses some of its immense wealth to benefit people around the world affected by poverty, crises, and disaster. US overseas aid, as well as the substantial funding America gives to international organisations, such as the United Nations, is another reason why it is liked in many countries.
The scale of America’s wealth – the US GDP makes up 24.4% of the global economy, also means people like the US for selfish reasons… they feel that working with US entities can help them make money.
7. Genuine Interactions with American People
A final reason why the United States is popular is because many people around the world have met American’s had genuine interactions with them.
The vast majority of people in the world are good people. Politics may cause divisions, but when people meet one to one, they almost always find they have a lot more in common. All over the world people meet American’s and have great conversations with them, form friendships and bonds. Even small interactions allow people to connect with a person’s country and dispel some of the myths politicians and the media may portray.
Each year millions of American’s travel abroad for work, study and tourism. Huge numbers of people also visit the United States every year. As people travel, they meet face to face and this allows for genuine connections to be had. As many people meet American’s, they learn more about the country and this is a major reason why people feel an affinity with the United States.
American’s a genuinely open minded, curious, polite, and culturally sensitive when they travel. Despite some negative stereotypes, many people around the world report enjoying meeting Americans. This adds to the country’s popularity.