- The Strategist - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au -
US strategic policy and public opinion
Posted By Rod Lyon on September 30, 2016 @ 06:00
‘The public views America’s role in the world with considerable apprehension and concern. In fact, most Americans say it would be better if the U.S. just dealt with its own problems and let other countries deal with their own problems as best they can.’
‘Growing numbers of Americans believe that U.S. global power and prestige are in decline. And support for U.S. global engagement, already near a historic low, has fallen further. The public thinks that the nation does too much to solve world problems, and increasing percentages want the U.S. to…pay more attention to problems here at home….For the first time in surveys dating back nearly forty years, a majority (53%) says the United States plays a less important and powerful role as a world leader than it did a decade ago.’
‘In the midst of two wars abroad and a sour economy at home, there has been a sharp rise in isolationist sentiment among the public. For the first time in more than 40 years of polling, a plurality (49%) says the United States should “mind its own business internationally” and let other countries get along the best they can on their own.’
‘As the Iraq war has shaken the global outlook of American influential, it has led to a revival of isolationist sentiment among the general public. Fully 42% of Americans say the United States should “mind its own business internationally and let other countries get along the best they can on their own.” This is on par with the percentage expressing that view during the mid-1970s, following the Vietnam War, and in the 1990s after the Cold War ended.’
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URL to article: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/us-strategic-policy-public-opinion/
[1] key conclusion: http://www.people-press.org/2016/05/05/public-uncertain-divided-over-americas-place-in-the-world/
[2] 2013 report: http://www.people-press.org/2013/12/03/public-sees-u-s-power-declining-as-support-for-global-engagement-slips/
[3] 2009 report: http://www.people-press.org/2009/12/03/us-seen-as-less-important-china-as-more-powerful/
[4] 2005 report: http://www.people-press.org/2005/11/17/opinion-leaders-turn-cautious-public-looks-homeward/
[5] Political Science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqBrw3rQvKo