In a symposium held in the Alumni Lounge on Monday, a panel of experts discussed the results of a poll conducted by the International Business School (IBS) from Oct. 8 to Oct. 13.Global Marketing Insite, Inc., an international polling company, questioned students, faculty, staff and alumni in an effort to gauge how U.S. leadership is seen both here and abroad. The poll asked subjects about their feelings on American actions in the economy, politics and the environment.

The symposium featured a presentation of the results, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Paul Solman '66, the business correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

The panel, which included Dr. Marc Miles, the director of the Center for International Trade and Economics at the Heritage Foundation, Prof. Jessica Stern of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and IBS Dean Peter Petri discussed implications of the poll.

Of the poll's respondents 1,270 were Americans while 258 were from other countries.

The poll covered a range of topics related to the United States and its role in international politics. Questions included "What do you think are the most important priorities for the international community?" and "What is your advice for the U.S. president in the next four years?"

Though the panelists spoke about several topics covered by the poll, globalization remained the dominant talking point.

"Without openness and opportunities, there is no hope," Miles said. "As roadblocks decrease, countries start to flourish."

Miles cited China and Eastern Europe as examples of this.

Stern spoke about terrorism, which she called, "the dark side of globalization." She spoke about young Arabs' "antipathy to globalization-they see it as deeply humiliating."

Petri closed the discussion by saying that globalization gets bad press because it is a complicated concept of which most people do not see the benefits.

Prof. Ben Gomes-Casseres, said the poll and dialogue that accompanies it are important for students, "because the U.S. plays a critical leadership role in the world."

The majority of those polled disliked American leaders and their policies. There was more support for the American government among the Japanese than among Americans.

According to the poll, the two topics on which the respondents agreed were security and human rights. Over 50 percent of all countries except for the United States and Russia, thought the United States was not doing a good job in making the world a safer place.

The poll also indicated that people appreciate U.S. culture, brands and products.

Results of the poll showed that 30 to 40 percent of the respondents thought economic interdependence is very beneficial. U.S. business practices were also more respected in Asia than in the U.S. itself.

The poll showed that the U.S. is seen as being effective in promoting global trade and growth, although these areas are seen as a low priority by most of the respondents.