By John Q. Hosedrinker 
This essay observes a notable trend: an increasing number of Americans, particularly those with financial means and flexible lifestyles, are contemplating or actively pursuing opportunities to live abroad. This sentiment stems from a growing global disillusionment with the United States, a decline in its perceived exceptionalism, and concerns about the country’s internal fractures and global standing. This shift is reflected in a rise in applications for foreign citizenship and a decrease in international tourism to the U.S., indicating a significant reevaluation of America’s place in the world by both its citizens and global observers.
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It seems like a significant portion of the world’s perception of America has shifted, and it’s not for the better. The sentiment expressed is that the initial global “romance” with America, characterized by admiration and perhaps even envy, has long since soured. Now, many abroad, and surprisingly, a growing number of Americans themselves, are ready for a complete separation – a global divorce, as it were.
This feeling isn’t a new development, according to many observations. The shift appears to have begun subtly after 9/11, with the subsequent “endless wars” and economic instability contributing to a decline in global favor. While there was a moment of shared grief after the attacks, the subsequent actions, like labeling entire groups of people as terrorists, seemed to alienate many. The rise of figures like Trump is seen not as the root cause, but rather as a symptom of deeper issues that have been brewing for decades.
A key disconnect highlighted is the lack of firsthand experience with the world among many Americans. A considerable number, tens of millions, have never traveled abroad, lack foreign friends, and base their understanding of America’s global standing on curated media like Hollywood and certain news outlets. This creates an echo chamber where positive international relations or the negative consequences of certain policies are simply not visible or understood. When people don’t have friends or connections in other countries, they miss out on the direct feedback loop that would reveal the declining global opinion.
The actions of American politicians are consistently cited as a major driver of this negative perception. Remarks about making Canada the 51st state or invading places like Greenland are seen as not just absurd but as direct threats that understandably anger other nations. The perception is that when American leaders travel to other countries and insult them directly, the message is received loud and clear. This behavior is often viewed as irrational and damaging to diplomatic relations.
There’s a strong sentiment that America’s perceived arrogance exacerbates the problem. Despite metrics suggesting the nation is struggling in various areas, like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, there’s a persistent belief in exceptionalism that seems to blind many to these realities. The reliance on military might, while acknowledging its strength, is often framed as a substitute for genuine soft power and diplomacy, which has been eroded. Historical events, like the reliance on French aid in the Revolutionary War or the less-than-triumphant outcomes of more recent military engagements, are brought up to question the narrative of unquestioned American supremacy.
The erosion of trust extends beyond political actions to the very fabric of American institutions and media. The idea is that if the federal system, designed to handle “bad actors,” is compromised by an entire political party, and if institutions like Congress and the judiciary are perceived as aiding corruption, then the foundation of good faith is broken. This internal dysfunction is seen as directly impacting how the US interacts with foreign entities, leading to broken trade relationships and increased conflict. The consolidation and manipulation of media, including social media platforms and search engines, are also viewed as contributing to a public that is less informed and more susceptible to propaganda, further widening the gap between American perception and global reality.
From the perspective of many non-Americans, and even a significant number of Americans, the issue isn’t with the American people themselves, but with their politicians and their policies. The phrase “It’s not you, it’s US” seems to encapsulate this sentiment, suggesting that America needs to address its internal issues before it can meaningfully engage with the world. There’s a desire for America to stop trying to impose its ideas and policies globally and instead focus on self-reflection and healing its internal divisions.
The idea of “de-Trumpification” is often mentioned, not just as a political solution but as a necessary step towards rebuilding trust and respect. The damage done to American soft power is seen as profound, and the realization that it’s been “pissed away” is a painful one for many. The hope is that by focusing on ending internal hate and fostering healthier relationships with other nations, America can eventually re-establish itself as a respected global partner.
Ultimately, the prevailing sentiment is one of disappointment and a readiness for change. The days of unquestioning global admiration for America appear to be over. The world, and a significant segment of its own population, seem to be acknowledging that the global romance has indeed soured, and the prospect of a “divorce” – a redefinition of America’s role and relationship with the rest of the world – is becoming increasingly likely, and for many, even desirable.