Nation: Slumping to a New Low Abroad

The mystical metal surges as U.S. prestige keeps sinking

They never liked him anyhow. From the moment Jimmy Carter took office, Europeans and many other non-Americans were deeply suspicious of his moralistic preachments and skeptical of his political wisdom. With a combination of fascination and dismay, they read his shifting pronouncements on energy, human rights and monetary policy. They were disturbed by his folksy style, his reliance on a rather young and unworldly circle of advisers from back home, and his insistence on pushing his family to the foreground. Rosalynn's role in White House...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!