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    Foreign Affairs and Defense Issues

 
Afghanistan | Arms control | Foreign aid | Foreign nations | IMF | Iraq | ISIS | NATO | Terrorism | United Nations | U.S. foreign policy | U.S. military

 


 

.

.

Arms Control / Weapons of Mass Destruction / Missile Defense

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Dec. 17-19, 2010. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"People all have different concerns about what's going on in the world these days, but you can't worry about everything all the time. Will you please tell me for each of the following whether right now this is something that worries you personally a lot, a little, or not at all? The possibility of nuclear war."

.

A lot A little Not at all
% % %
12/17-19/10 36 39 24

.

"Some people feel the U.S. should try to develop a ground- and space-based missile defense system to protect the U.S. from missile attack. Others oppose such an effort because they say it would be too costly and might interfere with existing arms treaties with the Russians. Which comes closer to your view?"

.

Should try
to develop
Should not try
to develop
Unsure
% % %
12/17-19/10 47 50 3

.

"As you may know, President Obama and the president of Russia recently signed a treaty to reduce the number of nuclear weapons of each country, but the treaty will not take effect until the U.S. Senate votes in favor of it. Do you think the U.S. Senate should or should not vote in favor of that treaty?"

.

Should Should not Unsure
% % %
12/17-19/10 73 24 2
11/11-14/10 73 23 4
4/9-11/10 70 28 2

.

"If that treaty is ratified, do you think Russia would or would not live up to its share of the agreement?"

.

Would Would not Unsure
% % %
12/17-19/10 56 40 4

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Dec. 9-13, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Earlier this year, President Obama and Russian President Medvedev signed a Strategic Arms Reduction, or START treaty, that reduces each country's arsenal of nuclear weapons and increases how closely each country can monitor the other country's nuclear weapons. The U.S. Senate must still approve that treaty before it takes effect. Do you think the Senate should approve the START treaty or not?"

.

Should
approve
Should not
approve
Unsure
% % %
12/9-13/10 70 25 5

 

Gallup Poll. Dec. 3-6, 2010. N=1,003 adults nationwide, interviewed via Gallup Daily tracking. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"Suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Please tell me whether you would vote for or against a law that would do each of the following. First, would you vote for or against a law that would ratify the nuclear arms agreement with Russia, called the START treaty?"

.

Vote for Vote against Unsure
% % %
12/3-6/10 51 30 19

 

CBS News Poll. Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2010. N=1,067 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you favor or oppose the United States and Russia coming to an agreement to limit nuclear weapons?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure
% % %
11/29 - 12/2/10 82 12 6
6/79 77 15 8

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Nov. 19-21, 2010. N=1,037 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"As you may know, Congress is considering several issues during its lame duck session between now and the end of the year. The lame duck session includes many current members of Congress who will leave when the new Congress takes over in January. How important is it to you that the current lame duck Congress complete action on each of the following this year: very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not important at all? How about ratifying the nuclear arms agreement with Russia, called the 'START' treaty?"

.

Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not too
important
Not important
at all
Unsure
% % % % %
11/19-21/10 40 33 12 9 7

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. Nov. 3-8, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.1.

.

"Which statement comes closest to your view? No countries should be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Only the United States and its allies should be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Only countries that already have nuclear weapons should be allowed to have them. Any country that is able to develop nuclear weapons should be allowed to have them." Options rotated

.

No countries Only the U.S.
and its allies
Only countries
that already
have them
Any country
able to
develop them
Unsure
% % % % %
11/3-8/10 62 16 15 6 2

.

"Should the United States Senate ratify the strategic arms reduction treaty, which would require both the United States and Russia to reduce the number of deployed nuclear weapons, or not?"

.

Should Should not Unsure
% % %
11/3-8/10 67 29 4

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 9-11, 2010. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"How likely is it that the United States will become involved in a nuclear war in the next decade: very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, not at all likely?"

.

Very likely Somewhat
likely
Not too likely Not at all
likely
Unsure
% % % % %
4/9-11/10 12 26 29 32 1

.

"How likely is it that the United States will be attacked by terrorists using nuclear weapons in the next decade: very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, not at all likely?"

.

Very likely Somewhat
likely
Not too likely Not at all
likely
% % % %
4/9-11/10 21 34 30 15

.

"As a general goal, which of these two do you think is more desirable: the elimination of all nuclear arms in the world, or for a few major countries including the U.S. to have enough nuclear arms so no country would dare attack them?"

.

Elimination of
all nuclear arms
A few nuclear-
armed countries
Unsure
% % %
4/9-11/10 50 49 1

.

"Do you agree or disagree that the total elimination of all nuclear weapons is possible?"

.

Agree Disagree
% %
4/9-11/10 25 74

.

"Which is more important: reducing the number of nuclear weapons that are controlled by the governments of countries that are unfriendly to the U.S., or preventing terrorists from getting nuclear weapons?"

.

Reducing in
unfriendly
countries
Preventing
terrorism
from getting
Unsure
% % %
4/9-11/10 11 77 11

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. April 7-11, 2010. N=1,032 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"Threats in the world could include terrorists using conventional weapons, or using biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, or conflicts among nations with nuclear weapons. Thinking about these and other threats, where would you put the possibility that terrorists could obtain a nuclear weapon? Would you call it the single biggest threat the world faces, one of the biggest threats, a major threat but not one of the biggest ones, or less of a threat than that?"

.

Single
Biggest
One of the
Biggest
Major, Not One
Of the Biggest
Less of a
Threat
Unsure
% % % % %
4/7-11/10 12 36 32 13 6

.

"Representatives of 47 countries are meeting in Washington next week to discuss greater controls to try to keep terrorists from obtaining materials to produce nuclear weapons. How confident are you that this effort will result in better controls on these materials: very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?"

.

Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not So
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
% % % % %
4/7-11/10 7 33 27 28 4

 

Associated Press/Ipsos poll conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs. March 21-23, 2005. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"How likely is it that a terrorist attack using nuclear weapons will take place in the next five years . . . ?"

.

Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Too
Likely
Not At
All Likely
Unsure
% % % % %
3/21-23/05 15 38 33 13 1

.

"How likely is it that one country will attack another country with nuclear weapons in the next five years . . . ?"

.

Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Too
Likely
Not At
All Likely
Unsure
% % % % %
3/21-23/05 18 34 34 13 1

.

"Which statement comes closest to your view? . . ."

.

        %

"No countries should be allowed to have nuclear weapons."

66

.

"Only the United States and its allies should be allowed to have nuclear weapons."

13

.

"Only countries that already have nuclear weapons should be allowed to have them."

11

.

"Any country that is able to develop nuclear weapons should be allowed to have them."

5

.

Only the U.S. should be allowed to have nuclear weapons (vol.)

1

.

Unsure

4

 

Program on International Policy Attitudes/Knowledge Networks Poll. March 16-22, 2004. N=approx. 500 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.5. This survey was fielded by Knowledge Networks using its nationwide research panel. Knowledge Networks employs a random-digit-dial telephone methodology to develop a representative sample of households for participation in its panel. Participants receive free hardware and free Internet access. Surveys are administered via interactive TV devices.

.

"Based on what you know, do you think the U.S. should or should not participate in the following treaties and agreements? . . ."

.

Should Should Not No
Answer
% % %
"The treaty that would prohibit nuclear weapon test explosions worldwide"
3/04 87 12 2

.

"The treaty that bans all use of land mines"
3/04 83 14 3

.

"The treaty that bans all chemical weapons"
3/04 91 7 2

.

"The treaty that bans all biological weapons"
3/04 91 7 2

.

"Here are some positions about the possible use of nuclear weapons by the United States. Which one comes closest to yours? The U.S. should never use nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The U.S. should only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack. In certain circumstances, the U.S. should use nuclear weapons even if it has not suffered a nuclear attack."

.

Never Use Only in
Response
To Nuclear
Attack
Even if Hasn't
Suffered
Nuclear
Attack
No
Answer
% % % %
3/04 21 60 18 2

.

"With regard to missile defense, do you think the U.S. should build a missile defense system right away; do more research until such a system is proven to be effective; not build a missile defense system at all?"

.

Build Right
Away
Do More
Research
Not Build
At All
No
Answer
% % % %
3/04 21 68 8 2

 

The Gallup Poll. Feb. 3-6, 2003. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Recently there has been some discussion about the possibility of the United States building a defense system against nuclear missiles. Do you think the government should or should not spend the money that would be required for research and possible development of such a system, or are you unsure?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure
% % %
2/03 46 21 33
4/02 47 20 33
2/02 51 16 33
7/01 41 28 31
2/01 44 20 36

 

Bloomberg News Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. July 31-Aug. 5, 2001. N=1,206 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Bush has proposed building a missile defense system that would be designed to protect the United States from a missile attack. He has not said how much this would cost. Do you favor or oppose this proposal?"

.

8/01 1/01
% %
Favor 49 47
Oppose 41 47
Don't know/Refused 10 7

.

"Now, as president, do you think Bush will be able to build a missile defense system as he has described or not?"

.

8/01 1/01
% %
Will be able to build 39 37
Will not be able to build 44 50
Don't know/Refused 17 13

 

CNN/Time Poll conducted by Harris Interactive. July 17-18, 2001. N=1,015 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Some people feel the U.S. should try to develop a ground and space based missile defense system to protect the U.S. from missile attack. Others oppose such an effort because they say it would be too costly and might interfere with existing arms treaties with the Russians. Which position comes closer to your view?"

.

%
Should try to develop 52
Should not 40
Not sure 8

 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. May 3-4, 2001. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"President Bush says the arms-control treaties of the Cold War era are out of date and we should build an anti-missile shield to protect the U.S. in case of an accident or nuclear attack by a rogue state like Iraq or Iran. Others say we shouldn't build an anti-missile shield that our major allies oppose and relies on technology not yet proven to be effective. Which comes closer to your view?"

.

%
Should build 48
Should not build 44
Don't know 8

 

The Harris Poll. July 13-17, 2000. N=1,010 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Have you seen, heard or read anything recently about the missile defense system which the Pentagon has been developing for testing, or not?"
%
Have 52
Have not 47
Not sure 1

.

Asked of those who answered "Have" to question above:
"As far as you know, was the most recent test of whether or not the interceptor rocket could hit an incoming missile successful or unsuccessful, or are you not sure?"
%
Successful 8
Unsuccessful 64
Not sure 27

.

"Which one of the following do you think President Clinton and the Congress should do? Continue with more research to develop a system which is successfully tested before deciding whether or not to develop the full system. Commit now to developing and building a comprehensive missile defense system."
%
Continue with research 66
Commit now to building defense system 19
Neither (vol.) 5
Not sure 9

.

"Do you think President Clinton should make this decision this year or should it be made next year by the next president, whoever he is?
%
Decide this year 42
Decide next year 48
Not sure 10

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. July 14-16, 2000. N=1,063 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"How closely have you been following the news about the possibility of the United States building a defense system against nuclear missiles: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all closely?"
%
Very closely 11
Somewhat closely 32
Not too closely 31
Not at all closely 25
No opinion 1

.

"Do you think the government should or should not spend the money that would be necessary to build such a system?"
%
Should 53
Should not 36
No opinion 11

.

"Who, as president, would you have more confidence in to make decisions about such a missile defense system: [rotate] Al Gore or George W. Bush?"
%
Bush 48
Gore 37
Both equally (vol.) 3
Neither (vol.) 5
No opinion 7

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Robert Teeter (R). Oct. 23-25,1999. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.2.

.

"As you may know, the U.S. Senate rejected an international treaty called the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which would prohibit the testing of nuclear weapons. The Senate's action means that the U.S. will not be part of the treaty. Do you approve or disapprove of the Senate's rejection of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, or don't you have an opinion either way?"
%
Approve 28
Disapprove 46
Don't have an opinion 22
Not sure 4

.

"Let me read you two statements that supporters and opponents of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty make, and then get your reaction.

"Supporters say that the test ban would reduce the spread of nuclear weapons to new countries by stopping the testing needed to perfect them, yet still allow the U.S. to keep its nuclear arms up to date through computer-simulated testing.

"Opponents say that the test ban would not reduce the spread of nuclear weapons to new countries because there would be no way to know for sure whether other countries were testing nuclear arms, and the prohibition on testing ultimately would reduce the quality of U.S. nuclear weapons.

"With whom do you agree more: supporters or opponents of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty?"

%
Agree more with supporters 44
Agree more with opponents 43
Not sure 13

.

"If your senator voted to reject the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, would that make you more likely or less likely to vote for your senator in the next election, or would it not be a factor in your decision?"
%
More likely 14
Less likely 23
Not a factor 59
Not sure 4

 


Foreign Aid   See also: Health Policy (AIDS)

Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard University poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. June 13-23, 2002. N=1,402 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Turning to the issue of foreign aid, do you think the United States is now spending too little on foreign aid, about the right amount, or too much on foreign aid?"

.

ALL Whites Blacks Latinos
% % % %
Too little 8 6 13 14
Right amount 22 23 22 23
Too much 56 57 55 45
Don't know 14 14 10 19

 

The Gallup Poll. May 18-21, 2000. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Turning to the issue of foreign aid: Do you think the amount of money the United States is now devoting to foreign aid should be increased, reduced, or kept at about the present level?"

.

Increased Reduced Present
Level
Unsure
% % % %
5/00 9 47 40 4
8/59 6 39 36 20

 


International Monetary Fund

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Robert Teeter (R). Sept. 10-13, 1998. N=1,000 adults nationwide.

.

"Should the United States participate with the International Monetary Fund and other nations in a plan to lend money to countries that suffer financial collapse, such as Russia, South Korea, and Indonesia?"

.

%
Yes 41
No 48
Depends (vol.) 5
Not sure 6

 


NATO

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Robert Teeter (R). April 17-19, 1999. N=500 adults nationwide.

.

"How important is NATO, the security alliance between the U.S. and Europe: very important, fairly important, just somewhat important, or not that important?"
%
Very important 63
Fairly important 14
Just somewhat important 13 .
Not that important 8
Not sure 2

 

Pew Research Center Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. March 24-30, 1999. N=1,786 adults nationwide.

.

"Do you think the NATO alliance should be maintained or is the alliance not necessary any more?"

.

3/99 1/97 12/94 6/91
% % % %
Maintained 74 61 60 62
Not necessary 13 21 27 17
Don't know/Refused 13 18 13 21

 


United Nations

Gallup Poll. Feb. 25-26, 2013. N=1,017 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"Do you think the United Nations is doing a good job or a poor job in trying to solve the problems it has had to face?"

.

Good job Poor job Unsure
% % %
2/25-26/13 35 50 15
2/2-5/12 32 61 7
2/2-5/11 31 62 7
2/1-3/10 31 64 5
2/9-12/09 26 65 9
2/11-14/08 27 65 8
2/1-4/07 29 66 5
2/6-9/06 30 64 7
2/7-10/05 36 61 3
2/04 36 60 4
8/03 37 60 3
3/03 37 58 5
1/03 50 42 8
10/02 43 51 6
2/02 58 36 6
2/01 54 38 8
5/00 52 43 5
2/23-25/96 46 46 8
10/19-22/95 36 49 15
9/19-22/95 36 49 15
8/28-30/95 35 56 9

.

"In your view, does the United Nations play a necessary role in the world today, or not?"

.

Does Does not Unsure
% % %
2/25-26/13 66 29 6
2/7-10/05 64 34 2
11/21-23/97 85 11 4

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 9-12, 2009. N=1,022 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Now thinking more specifically, which of the following roles would you like to see the United Nations play in world affairs today? Should it play a leading role where all countries are required to follow UN policies; a major role, where the UN establishes policies, but where individual countries still act separately when they disagree with the UN; or should it play a minor role, with the UN serving mostly as a forum for communication between nations, but with no policy making role?" Options rotated

.

Leading
role
Major
role
Minor
role
Should not
exist (vol.)
Unsure
% % % % %
2/9-12/09 26 38 30 1 6
2/11-14/08 26 42 27 2 2
2/1-4/07 29 46 22 - 2
2/6-9/06 26 42 28 1 3
2/7-10/05 21 47 27 1 4
2/9-12/04 24 45 28 1 2
2/1-4/01 19 49 28 - 4

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Sept. 25-26, 2007. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the job the United Nations is doing?"

.

Approve

Disapprove

Unsure

% % %

9/25-26/07

34 48 18

3/1-2/05

32 46 22

9/23-24/03

31 52 17

2/25-26/03

40 42 18

4/30 - 5/1/02

42 33 25

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. Nov. 13-19, 2006. N=1,623 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.4.

.

"I'd like to get your feelings about some countries and governing organizations who have been in the news and what sort of a relationship you feel they have with the United States. I'll read the name of a country or governing organization and I'd like you to rate how much of a friend or foe they are to the U.S. using the feeling thermometer. You can choose any number between 0 and 100. The higher the number, the warmer or more friendly you feel they are to the U.S. The lower the number, the colder or less friendly they are. If we come to a country or governing organization who you haven't heard enough about to form an opinion, you don't need to rate them. Just tell me and we'll move on to the next one. How friendly or unfriendly do you think the United Nations is to the U.S.?"

.

MEAN
RATING

Unsure

%

11/13-19/06

50.4 6

8/17-23/06

49.2 5

5/23-30/06

50.1 9

2/21-28/06

50.6 6

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Sept. 9-12, 2005. N=500 adults nationwide.

.

"How much confidence would you say that you have in the United Nations: a great deal of confidence, quite a lot of confidence, not very much confidence, or none at all?"

.

A Great
Deal
Quite
A Lot
Not Very
Much
None
At All
Unsure

%

%

%

%

%

9/9-12/05

7

26

44

21

2

5/12-16/05

9

21

47

20

3


 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Aug. 25-26, 2003. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United States should increase its funding of the United Nations, keep it the same, or decrease its funding of the United Nations?" Options rotated

.

Increase Same Decrease Unsure
% % % %
8/03 11 50 37 2

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Feb. 10-12, 2003. N=747 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"In general, do you feel the United Nations is doing a good job or a poor job in trying to solve the problems it has to face?"

.

Good Poor Unsure
% % %
2/03 51 41 8
9/02 40 50 10
11/01 63 27 10

 

CBS News Poll. Sept. 22-23, 2002. N=903 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"How much influence does the United States have in the United Nations today: too much, too little, or the right amount?"

.

Too Much Too Little Right Amount Unsure
% % % %
9/02 13 38 39 10
5/85 12 42 33 13

 

Associated Press Poll conducted by ICR. Sept. 14-18, 2001. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United Nations is doing a good job or a poor job of trying to solve the problems it has had to face?"
%
Good job 64
Poor job 24
Don't know 12

.

"The United States has not paid its full dues to the United Nations in recent years after some members of Congress held up payments because of disputes over UN policies and its administration. Others say it's time for the United States to pay its full dues to the United Nations. Do you favor or oppose the United States paying its UN dues in full?"
%
Favor 48
Oppose 32
Don't know 20

.

"Do you think the United Nations should or should not play a major role in pulling countries together to fight against terrorism?"
%
Should 90
Should not 7
Don't know 3

.

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Countries that receive substantial military or economic aid from the United States should support U.S. positions when casting votes at the United Nations."
%
Agree 76
Disagree 17
Don't know 7

.

"Which one of the following things would be the most important things the United Nations could do to help fight terrorism? Reach agreements so nations hand over suspects for prosecution. Develop better exchanges of information. Initiate military action. Initiate economic sanctions."
%
Agreements so nations hand over suspects 31
Better exchanges of information 15
Military action 16
Economic sanctions 8
All of the above 24
Don't know 6

 


America's Role in World Affairs       See also: Relations with specific nations, regions | U.S. military
 

CNN/ORC Poll. Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 2015. N=1,020 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United States should or should not take the leading role among all other countries in the world in trying to solve international problems?"

.

Should Should not Unsure
% % %

11/27 - 12/1/15

45 54 1

9/25-28/14

39 58 3

 

CNN/ORC Poll. Sept. 25-28, 2014. N=1,055 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"If you had to choose, would you describe yourself more as a hawk, that is someone who believes that military force should be used frequently to promote U.S. policy; or as more of a dove, that is someone who believes the U.S. should rarely or never use military force?"

.

Hawk Dove Unsure
% % %

9/25-28/14

45 50 5

Democrats

36 59 5

Independents

38 57 5

Republicans

69 25 6

.

8/24-25/11

44 52 4

9/22-24/06

44 48 7

 

CNN/ORC Poll. Sept. 5-7, 2014. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Which comes closer to your point of view? As a general rule, do you think the United States should be ready and willing to use military force around the world, or the United States should be very reluctant to use military force?"

.

Ready
and willing
Very
reluctant
Unsure
% % %

9/5-7/14

50 48 2

9/6-8/13

34 64 2

11/18-20/11

46 53 1

 

Pew Research Center/USA Today. Aug. 20-24, 2014. N=1,501 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.9.

.

"Do you think we live in a safer world now than we did several years ago, a more dangerous world, or have things not changed very much?"

.

Safer More
dangerous
Have not
changed much
Unsure/
Refused
% % % %

8/20-24/14

7 65 27 1

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. June 20-22, 2014. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United States should or should not take the leading role among all other countries in the world in trying to solve international conflicts?"

.

Should Should not Unsure/
No answer
% % %

6/20-22/14

37 58 5

3/20-23/14

36 58 6

2/19-23/14

31 65 4

9/6-8/13

34 62 5

5/31 - 6/4/13

35 58 6

4/11-13/03

48 43 9

9/22-23/02

45 49 6

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). April 23-27, 2014. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Now, in your view, should the United States become more active in world affairs, less active in world affairs, or continue its current level of activity in world affairs?"

.

More
active
Less
active
Current
level
Unsure
% % % %

4/23-27/14

19 47 30 4

9/15-16/01

37 14 44 5

 

CNN/ORC Poll. March 7-9, 2014. N=801 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"If you had to choose, would you rather see the U.S. place more emphasis on safety and security within the United States or making sure there is peace and stability throughout the world?"

.

Safety, security
within the U.S.
World peace
and stability
Unsure
% % %

3/7-9/14

69 28 2

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Sept. 6-8, 2013. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Should the United States try to change a dictatorship to a democracy where it can, or should the United States stay out of other countries' affairs?"

.

Should try Should
stay out
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
% % % %

9/6-8/13

15 72 7 6

11/6-10/11

15 70 9 6

9/21-24/08

15 65 9 10

3/7-11/07

15 69 11 6

4/11-13/03

29 48 16 7

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Sept. 5-8, 2013. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Please tell me which of the following statements comes closer to your point of view. America is doing too much in other countries around the world, and it is time to do less around the world and focus more on our own problems here at home. America must continue to push forward to promote democracy and freedom in other countries around the world because these efforts will make our own country more secure."

.

Focus on
problems
at home
Continue to
promote
democracy
Depends/
Mixed (vol.)
Unsure
% % % %

9/5-8/13

74 22 3 1

5/12-16/05

54 33 11 2

 

Pew Research Center. Jan. 11-16, 2012. N=754 adults nationwide.

.

"Compared with the past, would you say the U.S. is MORE respected by other countries these days, LESS respected by other countries, or AS respected as it has been in the past?"

.

More

Less

Same

Unsure
% % % %

1/11-16/12

13 56 27 3

11/12-15/09

21 56 20 3

5/08

7 71 18 4

8/9-13/06

7 65 23 5

10/05

9 66 21 4

7/8-18/04

10 67 20 3

 

CNN/ORC Poll. Nov. 18-20, 2011. N=506 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.5.

.

"Which comes closer to your own opinion? The U.S. should not attack another country unless that country has attacked the U.S. first. OR, The U.S. should be able to attack any country it thinks might attack the U.S."

.

Not attack
unless U.S.
attacked first
Attack any
country it
thinks might
attack U.S.
Unsure
% % %

11/18-20/11

74 24 3

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. March 24-28, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.2.

.

"In general, do you think it should or should not be the role of the United States to promote the establishment of democratic governments in other countries?"

.

Should Should not Unsure
% % %

3/24-28/11

32 64 4

 

CBS News Poll. Feb. 11-14, 2011. N=1,031 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the U.S. has a responsibility to actively promote democracy around the world, or is that not the responsibility of the U.S.?"

.

Does Does not Depends (vol.) Unsure
% % % %

2/11-14/11

28 63 4 5

7/9-12/09

31 60 2 7

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 2-5, 2011. N=1,015 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"Next we would like you to think about the role the U.S. should play in trying to solve international problems. Do you think the U.S. should take the leading role in world affairs, take a major role but not the leading role, take a minor role, or take no role at all in world affairs?" Options rotated

.

Leading role Major role Minor role No role Unsure
% % % % %
2/2-5/11 16 50 25 7 1
2/1-3/10 19 52 22 6 -
2/9-12/09 23 52 17 6 2
2/11-14/08 19 56 19 5 1
2/1-4/07 15 58 21 4 2
2/6-9/06 19 55 20 4 1
2/7-10/05 19 53 21 5 2
2/04 21 53 21 4 1
2/03 26 53 16 3 2
2/02 26 52 16 4 2
2/01 16 57 21 4 2

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Dec. 17-19, 2010. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"As you may know, a website called Wikileaks has displayed thousands of confidential U.S. government documents concerning U.S. diplomatic and military policies. Do you approve or disapprove of the Wikileaks website displaying these documents?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure
% % %

12/17-19/10

20 77 3

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Dec. 10-12, 2010. N=1,019 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"Do you think the United States does or does not have a special responsibility to be the leading nation in world affairs?"

.

Does Does not Unsure
% % %

12/10-12/10

66 31 3

.

"Because of the United States' history and its Constitution, do you think the U.S. has a unique character that makes it the greatest country in the world, or don't you think so?"

.

The greatest Don't think so Unsure
% % %

12/10-12/10

80 18 2

 

CBS News Poll. Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2010. N=1,067 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the public has the right to know everything the government does, even if it might affect national security, or are there some things the public does not have a right to know if it might affect national security?"

.

Has the right
to know
everything
Doesn't have the right to know
some things
Unsure
% % %
11/29 - 12/2/10 25 73 2

.

"How much have you heard or read about information concerning U.S. diplomacy that was made public by Wikileaks: a lot, some, not much, or nothing at all?"

.

A lot Some Not much Nothing Unsure
% % % % %
11/29 - 12/2/10 20 27 26 26 1

.

Among those who have heard or read about information made public by Wikileaks:
"Do you think publishing this information from Wikileaks will hurt U.S. relations with other countries, or not?"

.

Will Will not Unsure
% % %
11/29 - 12/2/10 60 30 10

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Feb. 4-8, 2010. N=1,004 adults nationwide.

.

"As you may know some people referred to the 20th Century as the American Century because of the dominant role the United States played in world affairs and the world economy. In the 21st Century do you think the U.S. role in world affairs will be about the same as it was in the 20th Century, larger or smaller?" Half sample (Form A)

.

Same Larger Smaller Unsure
% % % %

2/4-8/10

19 32 46 2

.

"As you may know some people referred to the 20th Century as the American Century because of the dominant role the United States played in world affairs and the world economy. In the 21st Century do you think the U.S. role in the world economy will be about the same as it was in the 20th Century, larger or smaller?" Half sample (Form B)

.

Same Larger Smaller Unsure
% % % %

2/4-8/10

18 26 53 2

.

"Just your best guess, in terms of the dominant role in world affairs, do you think the 21st Century will be more of an American Century, more of a Chinese Century or what?" Half sample (Form A)

.

American
Century
Chinese
Century
Other (vol.) A Mix (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

2/4-8/10

38 43 12 3 4

.

"Just your best guess, in terms of the dominant role in the world economy, do you think the 21st Century will be more of an American Century, more of a Chinese Century or what?" Half sample (Form B)

.

American
Century
Chinese
Century
Other (vol.) A Mix (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

2/4-8/10

40 41 7 5 6

.

"If the United States does have less of a role in world affairs in the 21st Century than it had in the 20th Century, do you think that would be a good thing for the United States, a bad thing, or neither good nor bad?" Half sample (Form A)

.

Good Thing Bad Thing Neither Unsure
% % % %

2/4-8/10

19 39 40 2

.

"If the United States does have less of a role in the world economy in the 21st Century than it had in the 20th Century, do you think that would be a good thing for the United States, a bad thing, or neither good nor bad?" Half sample (Form B)

.

Good Thing Bad Thing Neither Unsure
% % % %

2/4-8/10

15 43 40 2

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 1-3, 2010. N=1,025 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"On the whole, would you say that you are satisfied or dissatisfied with the position of the United States in the world today?"

.

Satisfied Dissatisfied Unsure
% % %
2/1-3/10 35 63 2
2/9-12/09 32 66 3
2/11-14/08 30 68 2
2/1-4/07 37 61 2
2/6-9/06 43 54 3
2/7-10/05 48 51 1
10/9-10/04 42 56 2
2/9-12/04 47 51 2
4/14-16/03 67 30 3
3/22-23/03 69 29 2
2/17-19/03 48 50 2
2/3-6/03 55 43 2
2/02 71 27 2
2/01 67 30 3
5/00 65 33 2
9/66 44 46 10

.

"In general, how do you think the United States rates in the eyes of the world: very favorably, somewhat favorably, somewhat unfavorably, or very unfavorably?"

.

Very
Favorably
Somewhat
Favorably
Somewhat
Unfavorably
Very
Unfavorably
Unsure
% % % % %
2/1-3/10 7 44 38 9 2
2/9-12/09 4 41 40 13 2
2/11-14/08 6 37 41 14 2
6/1-3/07 6 34 33 25 2
2/1-4/07 5 40 38 16 1
2/6-9/06 7 41 37 13 2
2/7-10/05 7 41 39 12 1
2/9-12/04 10 44 34 11 1
4/14-16/03 12 49 28 9 2
2/17-19/03 7 47 34 11 1
2/3-6/03 11 46 34 7 2
3/8-9/02 20 46 26 5 3
2/4-6/02 20 59 17 3 1
2/01 18 57 20 4 1
5/00 20 53 22 4 1

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Dec. 11-14, 2009. N=approx. 500 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.4.

.

"Today the United States is generally considered to be the world's leading nation. Twenty years from now, which country do you think will be the leader: [see below]?"

.

%

China

39

The United States

37

No country will be the leader

11

The European Union

5

Japan

2

India

2

Russia

1

Unsure

3

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. April 21-24, 2009. N=1,072 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Obama has met or said he's willing to meet with leaders of foreign countries that have been hostile toward the United States. Do you support or oppose his approach to dealing with such countries?"

.

Support Oppose Unsure
% % %

4/21-24/09

71 27 2

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 3-5, 2009. N=513 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.5.

.

"Which comes closer to your view about Muslim countries that are allies of the United States: the U.S. should trust them the same as any other ally, or the U.S. should trust them less than its other allies?"

.

Trust the same Trust less Unsure
% % %

4/3-5/09

51 48 1

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 26-29, 2009. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Under Obama, do you think America's image in the rest of the world has gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same?"

.

Better Worse Same Unsure
% % % %

3/26-29/09

43 14 42 1

.

"How important do you think it is for Obama to try to improve U.S. relations with Muslim nations: very important, somewhat important, not so important or not important at all?"

.

Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not so
important
Not at all
important
Unsure
% % % % %

3/26-29/09

46 36 9 10 1

.

"In trying to improve U.S. relations with Muslim nations, do you think Obama will go too far, not go far enough, or handle it about right?"

.

Too far Not far enough About right Unsure
% % % %

3/26-29/09

22 9 65 4

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 11-15, 2009. N=1,112 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United States is more powerful, less powerful, or about as powerful a world leader today as it was 10 years ago?"

.

More
Powerful
Less
Powerful
About as
Powerful
Unsure
% % % %

1/11-15/09

12 55 31 2

2/79

19 53 23 5

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. June 12-15, 2008. N=1,125 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Some people say a president should NOT meet with leaders of foreign countries that are hostile toward the United States, because it could reward their behavior and make the U.S. look weak. Others say a president SHOULD be willing to meet with leaders of foreign countries that are hostile toward the United States because talking can improve relations and avoid confrontation. Which of these views comes closer to your own?" Options rotated

.

Should
Not Meet
Should be
Willing to
Meet
Unsure
% % %

6/12-15/08

20 77 3

 

CBS News. June 26-28, 2007. N=836 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United States is respected around the world today, or not?"

.

Respected Not
Respected
By Some
(vol.)
Unsure

%

%

%

%

6/26-28/07

24

71

3

2

.

"Do you think George W. Bush's foreign policies have made world leaders more likely to cooperate with the United States, less likely to cooperate, or haven't George W. Bush's foreign policies made much of a difference?"

.

More Likely Less Likely No
Difference
Unsure

%

%

%

%

6/26-28/07

10

54

30

6


 

Pew Research Center survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. May 2-14, 2006. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"Do you agree or disagree that the U.S. and other Western powers have a moral obligation to use military force if necessary, to prevent one group of people from committing genocide against another?"

.

Agree Disagree Unsure
% % %
5/2-14/06 77 13 10
7/05 69 21 10

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 7-10, 2005. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Next, I'm going to read a list of possible foreign policy goals that the United States might have. For each one please say whether you think it should be a very important foreign policy goal of the United States, a somewhat important goal, not too important a goal, or not an important goal at all. How about [see below]?"

.

Very
Important
TOTAL
Important
% %

Preventing future acts of international terrorism

 

82 96

.

Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction

 

82 94

.

Securing adequate supplies of energy

 

70 92

.

Defending our allies' security

 

57 92

.

Maintaining superior military power worldwide

 

56 83

.

Promoting and defending human rights in other countries

 

52 86

.

Protecting weaker nations against foreign aggression

 

40 85

.

Helping to improve the standard of living of less developed nations

 

38 85

.

Building democracy in other countries

 

31 70

 

Associated Press-Ipsos poll conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs. Jan. 10-12, 2005. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Compared to four years ago, do you think relations between the United States and other countries are better, worse or about the same?"

.

Better Worse Same Unsure
% % % %
1/05 10 50 39 1

 

Pew Research Center/Council on Foreign Relations survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. July 8-18, 2004. Nationwide.

.

"All in all, how should the U.S. determine its foreign policy? Should it be based mostly on the national interests of the U.S., or should it strongly take into account the interests of its allies?" Form 1 (N=1,003, MoE ± 3.5)

.

U.S.
Interests

Allied
Interests

Both (vol.)

Neither (vol.)

Unsure
% % % % %
7/8-18/04 37 49 7 1 6

.

"In formulating U.S. foreign policy, is the Bush Administration taking into account the interests and views of our allies too much, too little, or about the right amount?" Form 2 (N=1,006, MoE ± 3.5)

.

Too Much

Too Little

Right
Amount

Unsure
% % % %
7/8-18/04 15 37 38 10
1/04 18 30 46 6

.

"Do you think that using military force against countries that may seriously threaten our country, but have not attacked us, can often be justified, sometimes be justified, rarely be justified, or never be justified?" Form 1 (N=1,003, MoE ± 3.5)

.

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Unsure
% % % % %
7/8-18/04 20 40 22 14 4

.

"In its dealings with foreign countries and its handling of international problems, do you think the Bush Administration tries hard enough to reach diplomatic solutions, or is it too quick to get American military forces involved?" Form 2 (N=1,006, MoE ± 3.5)

.

Tries Hard
Enough

Too Quick

Unsure
% % %
7/8-18/04 33 59 8

.

"Compared with the past, would you say the U.S. is liked MORE by other countries these days, liked LESS by other countries, or is the U.S. viewed about the same as it has been in the past?" Form 2 (N=1,006, MoE ± 3.5)

.

More

Less

Same

Unsure
% % % %
7/8-18/04 8 59 29 4

 

The Gallup Poll. May 21-23, 2004. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"In your opinion, would you say that the United States tends to play a positive role, a negative role, or neither a positive nor a negative role regarding [see below]?" Form B (N=496, MoE ± 5)

.

  Positive Negative Neither Unsure
  % % % %
The war against terrorism 69 17 12 2

.

Growth of the world economy 66 17 14 3

.

Peace in the world 59 22 18 1

.

The fight against poverty in the world 57 22 20 1

.

Protection of the environment 46 31 21 2

.

"As I read a list of major wars the United States has been involved in during the past 100 years, please tell me, for each, whether you think it was a just war or not. . . ."

.

  Just Not Just Unsure
  % % %
World War II 90 7 3

.

The Persian Gulf War 66 28 6

.

The Korean War 61 30 9

.

The current war in Iraq 49 49 2

.

The Vietnam War 33 62 5

 

Program on International Policy Attitudes/Knowledge Networks Poll. March 16-22, 2004. N=1,311 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.8. This survey was fielded by Knowledge Networks using its nationwide research panel. Knowledge Networks employs a random-digit-dial telephone methodology to develop a representative sample of households for participation in its panel. Participants receive free hardware and free Internet access. Surveys are administered via interactive TV devices.

.

"Which is the more important principle for U.S. foreign policy? The U.S. should use its power to make the world be the way that best serves U.S. interests and values. The U.S. should coordinate its power together with other countries according to shared ideas of what is best for the world as a whole."

.

Serve U.S.
Interests
Best for
World
No
Answer
% % %
3/04 16 83 2

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Dec. 5-7, 2003. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Which comes closer to your own opinion: the U.S. should not attack another country unless that country has attacked the U.S. first, OR, the U.S. should be able to attack any country it thinks might attack the U.S.?" Options rotated

.

Only if
Attacked
If Think
Might be
Attacked
Unsure    
% % %    
12/03 54 41 5    
10/02 51 40 9    

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Oct. 14-15, 2003. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think people living in other countries around the world generally have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the United States today?"

.

Favorable Unfavorable Mixed (vol.) Unsure
% % % %
10/03 18 62 13 7

 

CBS News Poll. Sept. 22-23, 2002. Nationwide.

.

ALL Republicans Democrats Independents
% % % %

"Do you think the United States should or should not take the leading role among all other countries in the world in trying to solve international conflicts?" Form A (N=455)

Should 45 50 47 39
Should not 49 47 50 50
Don't know 6 3 3 11

.

"Which of the following statements comes closer to your point of view? (1) The United States should take the lead in solving international crises and conflicts. OR, (2) The United States should let other countries and the United Nations take the lead in solving international crises and conflicts." Form B (N=448)

U.S. take lead 46 56 43 39
Let others lead 48 37 55 53
Depends (vol.) 2 2 1 4
Don't know 4 5 1 4

 

The Gallup Poll. May 18-21, 2000. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United States should or should not take the leading role among all other countries in the world in trying to solve international problems?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure
% % %
5/00 41 55 4
5/99 38 60 2

 

Program on International Policy Attitudes. Oct. 21-29, 1999. N=1,826 adults nationwide. (Many questions asked of partial samples.)

.

"Please tell me if you agree or disagree with the following statement: Because the world is so interconnected today, the U.S. should participate in efforts to maintain peace, protect human rights, and promote economic development. Such efforts serve U.S. interests because they help to create a more stable world that is less apt to have wars and is better for the growth of trade and other U.S. goals."
%
Agree 78
Disagree 18
Don't know 4

.

"Please tell me if you agree or disagree with the following statement: It is nice to think that joining in international efforts makes a more stable world. But in fact, the world is so big and complex that such efforts only make a minimal difference with little benefit to the U.S. Therefore, it is not really in the U.S. interest to participate in them."
%
Agree 39
Disagree 58
Don't know 3

.

"I’m going to read you two statements. Please tell me which comes closer to your point of view.

"(A) As the world becomes more interconnected, and problems such as terrorism and the environment are of a more international nature, it will be increasingly necessary for the U.S. to work through international institutions.

"(B) International institutions are slow and bureaucratic, and often used as places for other countries to criticize and block the U.S. It is better for the U.S. to try and solve problems like terrorism and the environment on our own instead."

%
Statement A 56
Statement B 39
Don't know 5

.

"Please tell me if you agree or disagree with the following statement: I regard myself as a citizen of the world as well as a citizen of the United States."
%
Agree 73
Disagree 25
Don't know 2

.

"Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statement. As one of the world’s rich nations, the United States has a moral responsibility toward poor nations to help them develop economically and improve their people’s lives."
%
Agree 68
Disagree 30
Don't know 2

 

Gallup/CNN/USA Today Poll. June 11-13, 1999. N=1,022 adults nationwide.

.

"Do you think it will be best for the future of the country if we take an active part in world affairs, or if we stay out of world affairs?"

.

Active Part Stay Out Unsure
% % %
6/11-13/99 61 34 5
4/30 - 5/2/99 69 28 3
10/98 61 28 11
1994 65 29 6
1990 62 28 10
1982 54 35 11
1973 66 31 3

.

1956 71 25 4
1947 68 25 7


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