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Americans' Goals for US Foreign Policy

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Craig Kafura

The public's top priorities: protecting American jobs and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

People stand in Times Square in New York
Pamela Smith / AP
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

Republicans and Democrats Support US Alliances, But for Different Reasons

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

While supporters of both parties see benefits in US security agreements, Republicans tend to be more concerned about the associated costs.

NATO leaders gather around a large table
Evan Vucci / AP
Public Opinion

Americans Remain Positive on South Korea

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Karl Friedhoff

Meanwhile, about half say North Korea's nuclear program is a critical threat.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin
Jonathan Ernst / Pool via AP
Public Opinion

Americans Prioritize Domestic Spending over Foreign Aid

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Libby Berry

The public wants to increase the budget for domestic issues like infrastructure and education but is divided over defense spending and foreign assistance.

copies of a federal budget book on a table
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
Public Opinion

Domestic Issues Overshadow Foreign Conflicts in 2024 Voting Decisions

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Republicans are focused on inflation and immigration ahead of the November election, while Democrats emphasize abortion policies and democracy.

Voting booths are set up in a high school gymnasium
David Goldman / AP
Public Opinion

Majority of Americans Oppose Sending US Forces to Defend Israel if Attacked by Iran

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Dina Smeltz

Whether attacked by its neighbors or Tehran, majorities of Americans oppose using US troops to come to Israel’s defense.

Protesters carry Iranian and Palestinian flags, while an image of the Israeli flag is painted on the ground
Vahid Salemi / AP
Public Opinion

2024 Survey of Public Opinion on US Foreign Policy

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Results and analysis of the Council's annual survey of American views on foreign policy.

People walk under an American flag
Craig Ruttle / AP
Public Opinion

Republican Concerns over Immigration Hit All-Time High

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Craig Kafura

Republican views of immigrants and immigration policy largely diverge from overall American attitudes.

Migrants wait in line adjacent to the border fence under the watch of the Texas National Guard
Andres Leighton / AP
Public Opinion

Young Russians See Brighter Future Than Young Americans Do

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Russian young adults have a more positive economic and political outlook than their American counterparts, yet both youth populations think equally about emigrating.

People walk along closed empty Red Square with the Kremlin Wall
Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP
Public Opinion