Japan has emerged as the top-ranked country in the 2024 BGR Impact Index, a comprehensive analysis released by BGR Analytics. This index, which assesses the influence of nearly 200 countries in the United States, places Japan at the forefront, demonstrating its exceptional presence and positive perception across U.S. media, policy, and public sentiment.
Unlike conventional soft-power metrics, the BGR Impact Index focuses solely on influence within the United States, blending economic data with a “Moneyball” approach to social and digital media sentiment analysis. Japan’s achievement reflects its high visibility and favorable image in the U.S., where it ranks in the top 10 across 16 of the 25 evaluated categories and secures the No. 1 spot in five categories. Following Japan are key global players, including India, Germany, South Korea, Canada, and Italy, each contributing to the U.S. through cultural, economic, and diplomatic channels.
The methodology behind the BGR Impact Index is robust, incorporating data from reputable sources such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Bureau of Economic Analysis, alongside tools that measure social media sentiment on platforms like X, YouTube, and Reddit. BGR Analytics tracked over 1.4 trillion online data points and applied 108 indicators across seven categories to assess each country’s standing in the U.S. from cultural influence to policy impact.
Frank Ahrens, Head of Analysis at BGR, noted that the results provide valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their relationships with Washington, highlighting unexpected areas where foreign influence plays a significant role. “The findings reveal important areas of foreign influence and offer insights for those aiming to strengthen U.S. relations,” Ahrens explained.
For BGR Group, the Impact Index underscores its commitment to delivering strategic insights for foreign clients, guiding their efforts to navigate U.S. politics and media effectively in an increasingly competitive landscape.
