The U.S. exerting constructive action in international affairs would be received favorably, but many Americans are not supporting its role as the 'world’s policeman,' nor do the majority of countries need one.
Obama wanting to curb emissions of power plants is good news: This could be a way to end the climate-related political coma the world is momentarily witnessing. However, he is risking a lot shortly before the Congressional election, as he is coming into conflict with the infrastructures that have shaped his country.
The irony is that the U.S., after forcing a state of ethnic integration, is now often accusing countries like China of violating the rights of minorities.