I think the key is attitude. General attitude that what is foreign is not worth knowing about. Please start travelling when you are young (and poor) and give good impression of your country. Learn to appreciate other ways of living, don't always try to make a buck. Make friends because that is the only way to turn the tide.

When I was in US for one year people asked me if I know how to use remote control! In U.S. History class I heard a student talk about an evil guy who was president of Europe, he was called Hitler. In that very same U.S. History class me and an Japanese exchange student got the best grades. I think that was sad.

When I was travelling around the world there was American couple talking and the man was complaining that in Tahiti they don't want money ($) they want Polynesian Francs. In Hiroshima museum I saw one american couple walking out immediately when they saw burned shadows of bodies on the walls. I got better service when I said I was from Finland. Basically the reason is that average American tourist is filthy rich and thinks that everything is for sale. If something doesn't work as it should work in US then complaining starts. Unfortunately local culture is something that must be appreciated and thought of when travelling, it's not something cute and charming... it's their life.

I read an article that in Europe current war against terrorism is opposed mostly because of the memory of real war. Not because European countries don't like US. Don't forget that Europe has fought terrorism for much longer than just few years. Only now it is interesting to US. When you say US has helped in so many places there has always been political reason for that. Usually it's not as simple as just help. There is always some benefit for US involved. Help in Israel is very controversial, recently US vetoed announcement against Israel in U.N. security council. Israel army had shot help workers and all other countries wanted to make critical announcement against Israel. Only selfish political reasons behind that veto.

As you can see there is no good answer to any of your questions. All countries act for their own benefit so does US. Only problem is that US has too much power so other countries must accept what is said rather than have equal relationship.

All above said, I must say I enjoyed my time in US, people are nice and friendly and I have visited there 3 times already. My only advice is that travel before you are 50-60 years old because then you will be the stereotype of filthy rich arrogant american tourist. Travel before you are locked in your views.

And finally if you have read this far: Two Finnish men decided to go drinking and have sauna in a cottage. They were drinking, going to hot sauna, dipping into the frozen lake. Other man said: "It sure is cold outside". After an hour his friend responded "Did we come here to drink or babble?".

I dare you to come drink and go to sauna with a Finn to a remote cottage during dark season (about 6 hours light, if no clouds) and swim in a frozen lake :). Every country in the world has something new waiting for you. I have been in american barbeque party and in disneyland, now it's your turn.