All Research

Our expert research provides trusted, balanced insight and analysis on US foreign policy and America’s global engagement and advances policy solutions on critical global issues.

Americans Say Weakening Democracy Is the Most Critical Threat to the United States

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Lama El Baz

More than half also say the decline of democracies around the world, foreign interference in American elections, and the conflict in the Middle East pose critical threats to vital US interests.

With the US Capitol in the background, people walk past a sign that says Voters Decide Protect Democracy
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
Public Opinion

Americans See Negative Consequences of US Troop Withdrawal from South Korea

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Karl Friedhoff

Seven in 10 say the security relationship with Seoul does more to strengthen US national security than weaken it.

Flags of South Korea and the United States flutter before a joint river-crossing drill between South Korea and the United States
Ahn Young-joon / AP
Public Opinion

Russians More Interested in Peace Talks with Ukraine, but Most Oppose Making Major Concessions

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Although the public continues to support the military operation in Ukraine, a plurality say it has caused more harm than good for Russia.

A woman walks past advertising billboards which show Russian soldiers
Dmitri Lovetsky / AP
Defense and Security

On Taiwan, Americans Favor the Status Quo

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Craig Kafura

Should China invade, Americans support arming Taipei but oppose direct military intervention.

Two soldiers fold the Taiwanese national flag
Chiang Ying-ying / AP
US Foreign Policy

Russians Tend to Say Neither Israel nor Hamas Are Justified in Military Actions

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

A plurality say the United States and NATO are most responsible for ongoing bloodshed and instability in the Middle East.

Palestinians inspect the damage at a site hit by an Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip
Jehad Alshrafi / AP
Public Opinion

Americans Largely Support Using US Troops to Defend Allies

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Karl Friedhoff

The public also remains in favor of maintaining long-term military bases abroad.

Soldiers from NATO countries hold their respective flags
Mindaugas Kulbis / AP
Public Opinion

Americans Fear Recent Assassinations in Middle East Will Spark Wider War

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

The US public is now equally split on whether Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza is justified or not.

A Hezbollah supporter waves the Palestinian flag during the funeral procession of top commander Fouad Shukur who was killed by an Israeli airstrike
Hussein Malla / AP
US Foreign Policy

Americans See United States Playing Positive Role in Middle East

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Pluralities also say the United States has given Israel either the right amount or not enough military assistance and support.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make statements to the media
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
Public Opinion

Americans See Benefits of Trade, yet Support Restrictions to Protect US Jobs

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Karl Friedhoff

Pandemic-era shortages seem to have strengthened the public's appetite for greater economic self-sufficiency.

a container ship near a dock
Pixabay
Public Opinion

American Support for Active US Global Role Not What It Used to Be

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Dina Smeltz

While most Democrats favor taking an active part in world affairs, Republicans remain divided.

An American flag is waved outside the White House
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Public Opinion