The US remains deeply popular around the world, as soft power and branding are used as tools of cultural imperialism.

The CIA was never among the world's most trusted global brands, even among U.S. allies, but torture revelations have diminished U.S. claims to moral leadership and reduced its "soft power".

The US Senate Intelligence Committee's summary report on the CIA's post 9-11 "enhanced interrogation techniques" – from sleep deprivation to waterboarding – used against suspected terrorists has provoked a domestic furore, but its biggest impact could be outside US shores.