Through Europe’s Eyes: European Perceptions of Americans in the Age of Trump

The Falmouth Memorial Library will host its next Camden Conference Community Event of the season on Saturday November 14, at 11:00 a.m.

What do Europeans think of Americans in the age of Donald Trump? While we know a good deal about the negative sentiments they have toward the US, Trump, and the US government during this time, we are far less clear about what they think of Americans – the people themselves. The question is worthwhile: external perceptions of a country’s citizens matter for trade, geopolitics, the environment, culture, and beyond. When those perceptions take place in the context of the transatlantic relationship – a pillar of the world order – they become especially important. So, what do Europeans think of Americans? Francesco Duina will discuss the results from an original survey data conducted in 2026 in five countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK) with nearly 2,000 respondents to assess Europeans’ opinions of Americans. General questions were followed by specific ones on high-salience topics – such as democracy, crime, and artificial intelligence. The discussion will offer space to reflect on what a post-Trump transatlantic relationship might look like.

Francesco Duina is Charles A. Dana Professor of Sociology and European Studies at Bates College. He has held appointments at Harvard University, Copenhagen Business School, and the University of British Columbia. He is the author of seven books.