The American Public Remains Committed to Defending South Korea

The US public views North Korea’s nuclear program as one of the top threats facing the country.

Introduction

The 2018 Chicago Council Survey finds that the US public views North Korea’s nuclear program as one of the top threats facing the country despite the recent cooling in tensions. Greater than eight in ten Americans reject the idea that North Korea should be allowed to produce nuclear weapons. While Americans broadly support sanctions against North Korea if it does not denuclearize, there is little appetite for military action to forcibly denuclearize North Korea.

Key Findings

• North Korea remains a top threat. North Korea’s nuclear program is the second-ranked potential threat included in the survey, trailing only international terrorism (66%).
• Americans support allies against North Korea aggression. 
• If North Korea were to denuclearize, the American public supports a range of concessions. If it does not denuclearize, the American public sees limited options for the United States.
• Overall, 25 percent of Americans favor sending US troops to overthrow the Kim Jong Un regime if North Korea does not denuclearize.
• Kim Jong Un continues to be the least favored international leader included in the survey.