Poll: Global Popularity Contest

Who's the most popular country of them all? That would be the United States, according to a survey from GFK Roper Public Affairs & Media. Reuters reports:

The United States is the most admired country globally thanks largely to the star power of President Barack Obama and his administration, according to a new poll. It climbed from seventh place last year, ahead of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan which completed the top five nations in the Nation Brand Index (NBI).

"What's really remarkable is that in all my years studying national reputation, I have never seen any country experience such a dramatic change in its standing as we see for the United States for 2009," said Simon Anholt, the founder of NBI, which measured the global image of 50 countries each year.

He believes that during the previous administration of George W. Bush the United States suffered in the world ranking with its unpopular foreign policies but since Obama was elected, and despite the recent economic turmoil, the country's status has risen globally.

At a minimum, the Obama administration's tenure should put to rest the notion that popularity and global goodwill are capable of motivating other nations to act contrary to their interests.

(AP Photos)