The World is still cheering for America

‍ Shout out to my new Quantum European and Canadian friends!

July 4th 2026

United States

Europe

Canada

 “Sometimes the world reminds you of who you are when you least expect it—say, in the middle of a quantum technology meeting.”  Maggie Constantino 2026

 For the past several weeks, I’ve been on a quest to learn more about quantum technology. I’ve joined global quantum meetings and seminars with brilliant people, including theoretical physicists from Europe and Canada. And because I’m me, I get very enthusiastic when I’m learning about something I genuinely love. My brain does happy dances. Admittedly, when it is swing dancing with a full live orchestra, I tend to ask complicated—and sometimes overwhelming—questions of the panel or speaker. As a result, I’ve developed a bit of a reputation. Some of my fellow Council on Foreign Relations members tease me by calling me “the number one super nerd” (I’m still taking that as a compliment, Sid). I digress. A few days ago, during a virtual meeting on quantum technology, finance, and defense, I tried very hard to sit quietly, trying not to tap my toes in rhythm, as my brain danced to rock music. As soon as the opportunity came, I excitedly raised my little avatar hand and fired off a rapid series of questions. 

Everyone went quiet. Too quiet. 

They stared at me. I stared back.

“Did my Wi-Fi freeze?” I wondered.

 Then I panicked. “Oh no,” I thought. “I asked a very stupid question.” 

My brain shifted into a melancholy slow dance. 

I sighed and wondered whether I should hang up and redirect my energy toward learning about the fast-food industry. Finally, one woman smiled and said, “howdy” in a strong English accent. Everyone laughed. I smiled. Then someone else raised their hand and asked, “Are you American?” I shyly replied, “Yes.” 

Suddenly, everyone began firing questions and comments at me: “Can you really get free drink refills?” “What are you going to do for America’s 250th birthday?” “Are you going to barbecue?” “Have you been to Disneyland?” “Is Buc-ee’s a gas station or an amusement park?” “I love America!” “I really want to try In-N-Out.” I was surprised that these incredibly intelligent people were so curious about American culture. Instead of ending the call with lessons about quantum technology, we spent the rest of it talking about American history, everyday life, and what the United States still means to people looking in from the outside.

Later, my brain replayed the conversation. It also wandered back to previous conversations I’d had with American international relations experts about how much credibility and trust the United States had lost in parts of Europe and Canada. The examples had stayed with me: fewer Canadians visiting Michigan, Europeans being warned they might need to show their social media history when entering the country, and a general sense that America could no longer be trusted as it once had. One IR expert told me in 2025 that it would take a full American generation for the United States to regain the world’s trust and credibility. I pondered that statement for weeks. Now, I think he may have been wrong. I know America is not perfect. We have problems and harsh divisions. But seeing her through outside eyes full of wonder reminded me that, as much as we may want to escape out of fear, we cannot give up on her. We cannot give up on our American values. As one incredibly smart Canadian—thank you, Niki—said on another recent call, “We still see the United States as a guiding light. Even in quantum, the rest of the world will follow what she does.”

I want to thank our global community for opening this American’s eyes and doing what good friends do: reminding us how strong, innovative, resilient, courageous, kind, and empathetic we are as Americans. They have faith in us, and they are watching from the sidelines. It is up to us to remember to rise up and be the country we were meant to be. Finally, in honor of this incredible 250th birthday, I am studying George Washington’s impressive military strategies while my brain happily dances to Chicken Fried and Washington waits, somewhat impatiently, for me to hurry up and catch up. Maybe America’s 250th birthday is not just a celebration, but a reminder that the world is still cheering for us to become our best selves. Happy Fourth of July!