U.S. Public Image: A Study Of The Perceptions Of International Students From Predominantly Muslim Nations

After the United States-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, anti-Americanism increased among predominantly Muslim nations. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to explore the perceptions of 11 international students from predominantly Muslim nations toward the U.S. It also examines whether the students' perceptions have changed since arriving in the United States and whether perceptions could stem from propaganda. Results indicated generally positive perceptions toward America and significantly improved perceptions toward Americans. Perceptions of the U.S. government, the Bush administration and U.S. foreign policy, however, were generally negative -- primarily stemming from the war in Iraq and America's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Evidence of propaganda surfaced on topics that include Americans, U.S. foreign policy, the war in Iraq, the Bush administration, Israel and the Jewish influence in America. American and Arab world media, Hollywood, family and friends, educational institutions and religious leaders were possible sources.