How Neighborly Are We Really? Canada and Mexico See the U.S. as Both Ally and Threat
You might think that the United States would be seen as a friendly giant by its closest neighbors — Canada and Mexico. After all, we share long borders, cultural ties, and trade relationships. But a recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals a more complicated picture: a surprising number of Canadians and Mexicans actually see the U.S. as their biggest threat, not just their best friend.
The Poll: What the Numbers Say
According to the survey, which polled thousands of people across 25 countries during the first half of 2025, a striking 59% of Canadians and an even larger 68% of Mexicans view the U.S. as the greatest threat to their country. That’s a significant chunk of people looking at the U.S. with caution, if not outright wariness.
On the flip side, 55% of Canadians and 37% of Mexicans also regard the United States as their most important ally. So it’s a mix of admiration, dependence, and genuine concern. This isn’t a simple love-hate story—it’s more like a complex relationship with a lot of history, shared interests, and some tensions.
Polarized Views: Allies vs. Threats
Canada’s attitude toward the U.S. is the most polarized of all the countries surveyed. Over half see America as their top ally, but an even bigger share see it as a top threat. Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Kenya showed similar divides, with a substantial number of people both trusting and fearing the U.S.
Some countries seem to have a clear-cut opinion, though. Israel stands out as the most positive, with a whopping 95% seeing the U.S. as a trusted ally and only 1% viewing it as a threat. On the other end, Mexico’s responses were among the least favorable — only 37% consider the U.S. an ally, while a heavy 68% see it as a threat.
The Global Perspective: Who Sees Us as Friend or Foe?
The survey included 24 countries outside the U.S., asking respondents to name their most important ally and greatest threat. The U.S. topped the ally list for half of these countries. Beyond Israel’s overwhelming support, South Korea (89%), Japan (78%), and Britain (51%) also rated the U.S. as their strongest partner.
In Europe, countries like Poland (43%) and Italy (42%) saw the U.S. as a key ally, while Australia (35%) and India (35%) also leaned in that direction. Interestingly, some nations such as Kenya (38%), Nigeria (30%), and Hungary (23%) tied the U.S. with other countries as their top ally.
A Few Shades of Gray: Threats Without Allies
On the flip side, there are countries where the U.S. is viewed as a significant threat but without a corresponding sense of alliance. South Africa (35%), Indonesia (40%), and Spain (31%) fall into this category. These nations expressed concern about America’s role or policies but didn’t particularly feel close ties to it.
Meanwhile, six countries — Germany, France, Sweden, Greece, the Netherlands, and Turkey — took a neutral stance by not naming the U.S. as either their top ally or biggest threat. It’s like they see America as important but neither their best friend nor their worst enemy.
What About Americans? Who Do We Fear and Trust?
Americans themselves also weigh in on global threats and alliances. When asked about the biggest threats to the U.S., China and Russia top the list. Interestingly, political affiliation plays a role here: Republicans tend to be more wary of China, while Democrats are more concerned about Russia.
As for allies, Americans most often named Britain (18%), Canada (12%), and Israel (9%). So even if some neighbors view the U.S. with suspicion, Americans largely see the world through different lenses, with trusted alliances focused on traditional Western partners.
What This All Means: The Complexity of U.S. Relations
This survey offers a revealing snapshot of how the U.S. is viewed around the world — and especially by those closest to home. It’s a reminder that relationships between countries aren’t black and white. Even among allies, there’s a mix of trust, tension, respect, and concern.
Key takeaways from the Pew Research survey:
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Close neighbors are divided: More than half of Canadians see the U.S. as both ally and threat. Mexico feels even more wary.
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Global allies abound: Israel, South Korea, Japan, and Britain show strong support for America.
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Threats without friendship: Countries like South Africa, Indonesia, and Spain fear the U.S. but don’t feel close.
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Americans’ view is mixed: China and Russia are seen as the biggest threats; Britain, Canada, and Israel as top allies.
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Nuance matters: Some countries neither strongly ally nor oppose the U.S., reflecting complex global dynamics.
Why Do Canada and Mexico Feel This Way?
Digging into the reasons behind these perceptions is fascinating. Canada and the U.S. share one of the world’s longest undefended borders, but the relationship has its share of disputes over trade, environment, and immigration. Canadians often appreciate the cultural closeness but worry about U.S. economic policies or political decisions that could affect their own stability.
For Mexico, the relationship is even more complicated. The two countries are tightly linked through trade agreements like USMCA, migration flows, and cultural ties. But immigration policies, border enforcement, and sometimes conflicting political priorities have led many Mexicans to view the U.S. government with skepticism or concern.
What’s Next for the U.S. on the Global Stage?
As the U.S. navigates a shifting international landscape, understanding these mixed perceptions can help guide diplomacy and foreign policy. Building trust with neighbors means addressing concerns while reinforcing the benefits of cooperation.
For Americans, recognizing that many around the world, even friends and neighbors, see the U.S. as both protector and potential threat can inspire a more nuanced approach to how the country presents itself and interacts globally.
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