German Public Opinion: A Staggering Shift Sees U.S. Tagged as Threat to Global Peace

BERLIN – A profound and accelerating shift in German public sentiment now positions the United States as a significant threat to global peace, according to a recent authoritative survey. This dramatic re-evaluation of the long-standing transatlantic ally underscores deepening anxieties within Germany regarding American foreign policy, particularly since the beginning of the second term of former President Donald Trump. The findings suggest a fundamental re-calibration of Germany's geopolitical outlook, challenging decades of alliance and shared strategic interests.

An Alarming Spike in Perceived Threat

The latest poll, conducted in January by the Allensbach Institute for the Center for Strategy and Higher Leadership, reveals that nearly two-thirds of Germans, specifically 65%, now identify the United States as one of the countries posing the greatest danger to global peace. This figure marks a stark increase from just 24% in 2024 and 46% in 2025. The rapid deterioration in perception highlights a growing uneasiness in Germany, fueled significantly by the current U.S. administration.

While the United States now ranks prominently in German threat perceptions, Russia continues to be viewed as the primary menace to global security, cited by 81% of respondents. China occupies the third position, with 46% of Germans considering it a threat. This comparative analysis demonstrates that while concerns about traditional adversaries remain high, the perceived reliability and actions of a key NATO partner are now under intense scrutiny.

The trajectory of this public opinion shift is particularly striking. Just a few years ago, following President Joe Biden's election, there was a period of renewed optimism regarding U.S.-German relations. However, the subsequent return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency has seemingly reversed this trend, leading to a precipitous decline in German confidence. This indicates a direct correlation between leadership in Washington and the perception of the United States in Germany.

Erosion of Transatlantic Trust and Security Commitments

The skepticism extends beyond a general sense of threat to fundamental aspects of the transatlantic security architecture. The Allensbach survey indicates a significant erosion of trust in American commitments to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Only 32% of Germans believe the United States would provide military assistance if a European NATO member were attacked, while 35% express doubt. An additional 33% remain undecided on the matter. This widespread lack of confidence raises serious questions about the perceived durability of collective defense pledges.

The broader perception of the U.S.-German relationship has also suffered a dramatic downturn. In 2025, 73% of Germans characterized relations with the U.S. as "bad," a sharp contrast to the 74% who held positive views just a year prior, before the recent U.S. presidential election. This negative assessment is partially attributed to deeply entrenched divisions within American society and concerns among Germans regarding extremism and incidents of gun violence in the United States. While Americans generally maintain a more positive view of their relationship with Germany, a decline in that optimism has also been noted.

These findings suggest that the challenges to the transatlantic bond are not merely superficial but rather indicative of a deeper mistrust. The previously held assumption of unwavering U.S. support and shared values appears to be dissolving in the eyes of many Germans, forcing a re-evaluation of their nation's security posture and diplomatic alignments.

Historical Underpinnings of Fluctuating Sentiments

The relationship between the United States and Germany has a complex history, characterized by periods of close alliance interwoven with significant strains. Following World War II, the U.S. played a pivotal role in Germany's reconstruction through initiatives like the Marshall Plan, fostering a strong bond built on democratic ideals and anti-communism. This era established the U.S. as a liberator and a crucial partner in rebuilding West Germany.

However, German public opinion toward the U.S. has consistently shown a tendency to fluctuate, often reflecting specific U.S. policies and presidential administrations. Instances such as the Iraq War in the early 2000s under President George W. Bush saw a decline in favorable views, with anger directed at particular policies. Similarly, former President Trump's "America First" policies and perceived isolationist stance during his first term (2017-2021) significantly strained relations, leading to a notable drop in German approval of the U.S.

The current shift mirrors these historical patterns, demonstrating that the stability of U.S.-German relations is highly sensitive to the political climate in Washington. While cultural admiration for American innovations and pop culture persists, the nuanced German perspective often combines appreciation with a critical view of American foreign policy and its global influence.

Implications for the Transatlantic Alliance and German Foreign Policy

The emerging German perspective on the United States carries substantial implications for the future of the transatlantic alliance and Germany's broader foreign policy orientation. The diminished confidence in U.S. security guarantees could prompt Germany and other European nations to accelerate efforts toward greater strategic autonomy and a more robust European defense capability. The survey results reinforce a growing recognition among Germans that the era of relying on a "big brother" may be drawing to a close.

Furthermore, the reordering of Germany's perceived foreign policy partners is telling. France has now re-emerged as the most important foreign policy partner for 46% of Germans, eclipsing the United States, which is cited by only 26%. This shift suggests a potential strengthening of intra-European cooperation and a diversification of alliances. Germany is also increasingly looking to strengthen partnerships with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, signaling a broader recalibration of its global engagement.

This evolving landscape necessitates a re-evaluation of long-standing geopolitical assumptions. The U.S.-German relationship, once considered an unshakeable pillar of Western stability, is now navigating a period of profound uncertainty and growing skepticism.

Conclusion

The dramatic rise in Germans viewing the United States as a threat to global peace marks a critical juncture in transatlantic relations. Fueled by recent political developments in the U.S., this shift reflects a broader erosion of trust and a re-evaluation of strategic partnerships within Germany. While Russia remains the most significant perceived threat, the current trajectory of German public opinion underscores a deepening concern about the reliability and direction of American foreign policy. This evolving perspective will likely drive Germany toward greater self-reliance in security matters and a more diversified approach to international relations, signaling a new chapter for the foundational alliance that has shaped the post-war world.