The 21st-century US Image in Hungary and the Influence of US Foreign Policy

Abstract

This thesis explores the Hungarian US image, focusing on the influence of US foreign policy. It includes a survey that aims at finding out whether Hungarians hold negative views of the US or not. Additionally, it focuses on whether Hungarians are influenced by US foreign affairs in their opinions. Moreover, the survey is compared to two surveys conducted in similar areas. As the findings show, the overall opinion of the US is rather positive with a majority holding a neutral stance. The survey shows that American stereotypes persist in Hungarian minds, shaping perceptions of the US as a land of freedom and opportunity. Overall, Hungarian attitudes toward the US are multifaceted, and influenced by historical, cultural, social, and political factors. The thesis shows that those who have a negative opinion of the US are influenced by its foreign policy.