GUWAHATI: India has ranked 10th in a list of the world’s most hated countries, according to data released by an American weekly news magazine, based on research from the World Population Review. The rankings, drawn from a combination of international reports and public opinion surveys, reflect growing global discontent with countries viewed as politically, culturally, or militarily controversial.
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China topped the list, followed by the United States and Russia. North Korea, Israel, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria completed the top nine ahead of India. The findings are based on a range of perceptions regarding governance, foreign policy, civil rights, and public behaviour across borders.
India’s inclusion in the top ten has been attributed to growing religious tensions, concerns about treatment of minorities, and issues surrounding internet censorship. Ongoing border disputes and domestic unrest were also flagged as contributing factors affecting its global image. It has been noted that these perceptions, the review notes, are not always rooted solely in political issues, but also reflect how a country's citizens and institutions are viewed on the international stage.
China, the United States and Russia have been placed high on the list due to what are perceived as aggressive international stances and domestic policies. China was cited for its authoritarian regime, the alleged use of forced labour, censorship, its stance on Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, and treatment of the Uyghur population. Russia’s continuing military offensive in Ukraine and clampdowns on civil liberties have led to it being viewed as a "bullish aggressor," according to the report.
The United States' ranking came as less of a surprise to international respondents, the World Population Review stated. It pointed to American involvement in foreign conflicts, culture wars, internal political division, and a perceived sense of entitlement as key reasons for the country’s unpopularity. Issues such as widespread gun ownership and diet were also mentioned as cultural irritants.
Other countries on the list have also faced long-term criticism. North Korea’s totalitarian governance and isolationist policies, Israel’s ongoing conflict with Palestine, and Pakistan’s internal instability were identified as contributing factors. Iran, Iraq, and Syria were each listed due to civil unrest, foreign interventions, and humanitarian concerns.
The World Population Review report from NewsWeek further highlighted that a country’s global image is shaped by a mix of factors including government actions, cultural influence, and even tourist behaviour. It added that while views vary from region to region, global judgment is increasingly shaped by real-time events and public discourse.
