Political orientation and images of the United States in Italy

This study evaluates Image Theory, in particular, it assesses the images that Italian adults with different political ideologies have of the United States. In addition to the ally, barbarian, enemy, and imperialist images, a new image, that of the father, is introduced. Results show that right-wing respondents endorsed the father and ally images of Americans, while left-wing respondents perceived them as barbarians. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.