Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PUBLIC AGENDA
Introduction (continued)
In previous editions of the index, we identied Iraq as an issue near a tipping point where the public would demand a change in policy. Our denition of a tipping point for the purposes of foreign policy is quite specic. Surveys have to show a substantial majority is strongly concerned about a problem and believes the government has the power to address it. Iraq has already reached that point; energy independence is approaching it. One of the most common questions we get about the index is whether we see the public becoming more isolationist. About half of those surveyed say they want the United States to put a greater focus on domestic affairs rather than international relations. Yet the index also shows the public strongly endorses engagement in the world on a variety of fronts, from nonproliferation to disaster relief to climate change. The public doesnt seem to want to withdraw from the world, but at the moment they tend to prefer foreign policy strategies that are defensive and under our own control, such as energy independence and better intelligence gathering.
Public attitudes are often and not surprisingly driven by the news. Since the last edition of the index in September 2006, the public has seen the election of a Democratic Congress, the Iraq Study Group report and debate over the surge in Iraq. Theres also been the United Nations determination that Iran is continuing with its nuclear program, even as North Korea promises to dismantle its effort. The survey was in the eld after the controversy over whether Iran was supplying Iraqi insurgents with explosives was in the news. Full survey results for this and previous editions of this report can be found at publicagenda.org, foreignaffairs.org or condenceinforeignpolicy.org.The Condence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index is conducted with major support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
Summary of ndings
The Anxiety Indicator: Troubling levels of concern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Anxiety Indicator, our measure of the publics comfort level with foreign policy, stands at 137 on a 200-point scale, a 7-point increase from six months ago Two-thirds (67 percent) say foreign policy is on the wrong track More than 8 in 10 say the world is becoming a more dangerous place for Americans (48 percent say its much more dangerous) Report card: Slipping grades, few bright spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 There are ve topics where dissatisfaction is both broad (with about three-quarters giving a C or worse) and intense (with roughly half or more giving D or F marks): keeping illegal drugs out of the country, protecting U.S. jobs, controlling illegal immigration, becoming less dependent on foreign energy and the war in Iraq There are only three areas where half or more of the public give the government A or B grades: helping out during natural disasters (77 percent), maintaining a strong military (59 percent) and giving the war on terror the attention it deserves (50 percent) Iraq: A sense of obligation, a feeling of helplessness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Strong majorities want a withdrawal (19 percent immediately, 51 percent within 12 months). Six in 10 say U.S. safety from terrorism doesnt depend on Iraq But the public does not want to withdraw without considering what that means for the Iraqis (60 percent say we have a moral obligation to the Iraqi people) Time to talk: A strong preference for diplomacy over force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Two-thirds (67 percent) say the United States should emphasize diplomatic and economic efforts over military action in ghting terrorism In dealing with Iran, 44 percent prefer diplomacy to establish better relations and 28 percent favor economic sanctions. Support for military action is in the single digits A plurality (43 percent) now say attacking countries that develop weapons of mass destruction would enhance security not at alla 14-point increase in six months. Yet 75 percent say its very important to prevent the spread of nuclear weaponsthe top foreign policy priority Global warming: A clear call for international cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Four in 10 (41 percent) worry a lot about global warming, up eight points in the past six months Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) say its realistic that international cooperation can reduce global warming Cooperating with other countries on the environment and ghting disease is second only to nuclear nonproliferation as a goal, and 60 percent say global warming should be a priority The best strategies: Intelligence, energy independence and controlling immigration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The publics views on the best national security strategies have generally held stable since the last edition of the index But the public also gives the government low grades for achieving two of these goals, energy independence and immigration
The Anxiety Indicator is designed to provide a measure of Americans comfort level with the Overwhelming majority anxious nations foreign policy, much the same way the Consumer Condence Index measures the publics satisfaction with the economy. The indicator is a useful tool for policy-makers because the public ANXIETY LEVEL 150 approaches foreign policy veryCRITICAL differently from its approach to2007 economy or domestic matters the MARCH (+7) in general. Most people admit they dont have a Significant rm grasp on world affairs and are usually willing majority anxious to leave foreign policy to the expertsunless they believe things are seriously off course. The indicator NEITHER ANXIOUS is designed to provide a guide to when the public 100 NOR CONFIDENT believes foreign affairs demand their attention.
150
137
MARCH 2007
(+7)
137
Significant majority anxious
100
Our indicator scale is divided into zones, with 100 serving as a neutral midpoint. We dont anticipate Significant majority confident the indicator ever being at either the 0 or the 200 level, but a score of 50 or below would indicate a period of calm, perhaps even complacency. Above the redline of 150 would be anxiety shading into real fear and a withdrawal of public condence in U.S. policy. Overwhelming
majority confident
Clearly the publics discontent is edging closer to the redline, but theres no way of telling whether SOURCE: PUBLIC AGENDA the indicator will go higherand what might 0 really happen if it does. The shifts in the ve questions used to calculate the indicator would be signicant in any survey: 84 percent say they worry about the way things are going for the United States in world affairs 82 percent say the world is becoming more dangerous for Americans, up three points. Nearly half (48 percent) say the world is becoming much more dangerous 73 percent say the United States is doing only a fair or poor job in creating a more peaceful and prosperous world, up four points
68 percent say the rest of the world sees the United States negatively 67 percent say foreign policy is on the wrong track, an increase of nine points The most telling increases are in those who think policy is on the wrong track and those who think the world is becoming much more dangerous. And the most striking shifts in those categories are among Republicans. Theres been a 17-point drop in Republicans who say policy is going in the right
ations with the rest ngs are heading in the on the wrong track?
Thinking about recent U.S. relations with the rest of the world, would you say things are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track?
Percentage who say things are off on the wrong track:
(%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
58%
67%
67% 58%
lations with the y that the world is rous for the U.S.
Thinking about current U.S. relations with the rest of the world, would you say that the world is becoming safer or more dangerous for the United States and the American people?
Percentage who say the world is: much more dangerous
(%) 0 10 20
34%
43% 48%
82% 79%
How do you think the rest of the world sees the United States? Would you say they see the United States positively or negatively?
Percentage who say the rest of the world sees the United States: very negatively somewhat negatively
(%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
68% 64%
mewhat atively
How good a job is the United States doing these days as a leader in creating a more peaceful and prosperous world?
Percentage who say the United States is doing a: poor job fair job
(%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
39%
30% 34%
Poor
73% 69%
How much do you trust our government to tell Howpublic the you trust our government with the much do truth about our relations to tell the public the truth about our relations with other countries? other countries? Percentage who say:
not at all Percentage who say: not at all (%) 0 not too much not 20 30 10 too much
10 20 30 40 40 50 50 60 60 70 70 80 80 90 90 100 100
Fair
Is the way things are going for the United States in world affairs something that you worry about a lot, somewhat or do you not worry about it?
Percentage who say that they: worry a lot worry somewhat
(%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
(%) 0
49% 49%
59% 59%
April 2007
84% 83%
How truthful do you think the government has been How truthful do you think the government in been in what it told the public about our actionshasIraq? in what it told the public about our actions in Iraq? Percentage who say:
not at all Percentage who say: not at all
(%) 0 (%) 0 10 10
16% 16%
Dont worry
September 2006
30 30
40 40
50 50
60
70 70
80 80
90 90
100 100
Note: Question wording in charts may be slightly edited for space. Full question wording is available in the Full Survey Results at the end of this report. Percentages may not equal 100 percent due to rounding or the omission of some answer categories.
54% 54%
60
Helping other countries when natural disasters strike Making sure we have a strong, well-supplied military Giving the war on terror all the attention it deserves Hunting down anti-American terrorists Helping improve the lives of people living in poor countries 59% 50% 42% 42%
77%
Helpi natu
Maki well-
Givin all th
Hunt anti-
What grade would you give the United States when it comes to achieving the following goals?
Percentage who gave: F D C
(%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Helpi peop
Stopping illegal drugs from coming into the country Protecting American jobs from moving overseas Protecting our borders from illegal immigration Becoming less dependent on other countries for our supply of energy Succeeding in meeting our objectives in Iraq
73%
By contrast, there are only three areas where half or more of the public see the United States clearly succeeding. An overwhelming 77 percent give the United States an A or B for helping out during natural disasters, a view thats held steady since we began the Foreign Policy Index two years ago. Fifty-nine percent give A or B marks for maintaining a strong military. And 50 percent give the United States high marks for giving the war on terror the attention it deservesbut even this grade has slipped six points in six months.
That preference for a gradual withdrawal seems rooted in two conclusions by the public. One is the publics sense that the United States can leave Iraq without damaging its own security, with 61 percent saying Americas safety from terrorism does not depend on success in Iraq. The other is that 6 in 10 say the United States has a moral obligation to the Iraqi people. Only 31 percent say we should act in our own interests without considering how it affects the Iraqis. So while the public may be ready to leave, this sense of obligation to the Iraqis keeps them from a favoring a precipitous withdrawal that would leave the Iraqis to their fate. Majorities favor a withdraw from Iraq
Percentage who say the United States should:
Withdraw all troops from Iraq immediately Gradually withdraw all troops over the next 12 months Keep troops in Iraq for as long as it takes to stabilize the country Dont know
61% 34% 5%
Does not depend upon our success in Iraq Depends upon our success in Iraq Dont know
But most say the United States has an obligation to the Iraqis
Does the United States have a moral obligation to the Iraqi people, or should we act exclusively in our own nations interest without regard to how it affects the Iraqi people?
60% 31% 8%
Has a moral obligation Should act in its own interest Dont know
We did not ask about the surge specically, but a number of public polls show about 6 in 10 opposed to the plan.
% who give the following grades to the U.S. when it comes to stopping countries or groups from getting nuclear weapons:
A
(%) 50 40 30
F
50 40 30 20 10 0
20
March 2007
Sept 2006
Jan 2006
June 2005
For the public, military force is simply not an option in dealing with Iran and none too promising in other situations as well. The Foreign Policy Index has consistently shown the public broadly prefers diplomacy over force in international affairs. For example, in June 2005 64 percent thought the United States should emphasize diplomatic and economic efforts over military efforts in ghting terrorism; now that gure stands at 67 percent. Half the public consider it very important to only use force with the support of our allies, also consistent with 2005 ndings. And majorities throughout the Index have said the criticism that the United States is too quick to resort to war is at least partly justied (7 in 10 say so in our current edition). But after four years of the war in Iraq, and facing rising tensions with Iran, the public is even more rmly on the side of diplomatic efforts. In dealing with Iran, 44 percent prefer diplomacy to establish better relations, and 28 percent favor economic sanctions. Support for military action is in the single digits, and so is even threatening military action. This preference for nonmilitary solutions cuts across party identication. Republicans are more likely to favor sanctions than improved diplomatic relations, but they still prefer nonmilitary options (68 percent of Republicans, compared with 78 percent of Democrats). Most favor diplomacy or sanctions with Iran
In your view, what is the one best way for the United States to deal with the current situation in Iran?
Fewer support military action against countries with weapons of mass destruction
Percentage who say that attacking countries that develop weapons of mass destruction would enhance our security in the following ways:
Not at all
(%) 50 40 30 20 10 0
A great deal
50 40 30 20 10
Jan 2006
Sept 2006
March 2007
But many doubt the United States can stop the spread of nuclear weapons
Percentage who say that the claim that the U.S. government can prevent more countries from developing nuclear weapons is:
63% 35% 2%
Unrealistic
Realistic
Dont know
The skepticism about the use of force applies in general terms as well. A plurality of the public, 43 percent, say attacking countries that develop weapons of mass destruction would enhance national security not at alla 14-point jump in six months. Those who say it would enhance security a great deal dropped 19 points, to Title line 1 17 percent. Title line 2 This preference for to deal with the current situation most diplomacy comes out in Iran? strongly in an area the public considers the top (%) 0 10 20 30 40 foreign policy priority: nuclear nonproliferation. Use diplomacy to try to Three-quarters of establish better relations its very the public say important for the United States to prevent the Seek to impose international spread of nuclear weapons, outstripping any other28% economic sanctions priority. Overwhelming majorities say they worry The U.S. doesnt have to do at least somewhat about terrorists the the anything to deal with attacking 11% United States with biological, chemical or nuclear cur... weapons (85 percent) Take military action and about unfriendly nations against (82 becoming nuclear powers Iran percent). In 8% both
against Iran CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: SPRING 2007 Threaten military action 5% In your view, what is the one best way for the U.S.
50 60 70 80
Use diplomacy Seek international economic sanctions No need to do anything Take military action Threaten military action Dont know
44%
10
11
Something A lot
65% 29% 6%
Realistic
Unrealistic
Dont know
12
45
55 49
48
13
14
Indicator methodology
The Anxiety Indicator is a gure on a scale from 0 to 200, with the neutral value being 100, and is derived by comparing the positive and negative responses to ve key questions while disregarding non-responses (such as not sure or no answer). The ve questions are the following: Thinking about recent U.S. relations with the rest of the world, would you say things are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track? How do you think the rest of the world sees the United States? Would you say they see the United States positively or negatively? Thinking about current U.S. relations with the rest of the world, would you say that the world is becoming safer or more dangerous for the United States and the American people? How good a job is the United States doing these days as a leader in creating a more peaceful and prosperous world? Would you say you worry about the way things are going in world affairs a lot, somewhat or do you not worry about them? These numbers are calculated in the following way: 1. If the question assumes either one positive or one negative response (right track or wrong direction, yes or no), the following formula is used to calculate this question index component: K = 100 +(p(-) - p(+)) where p(+) is the percent that answered positively, p(-) is the percent that answered negatively. 2. If the question allows a choice from two positive or two negative responses (very satised, somewhat satised, not very satised or not at all satised), the following formula is used to calculate this question index component: K = 100 + (p1(-) - p1(+)) + 0.5*(p2(-) - p2(+)) where p1(+) is the percent that answered strongly positive, p1(-) is the percent that answered strongly negative, p2(+) is the percent that answered moderately positive, and p2(-) is the percent that answered moderately negative. The index question components are then averaged to calculate the index. When the index level is more than 100, the number giving a negative response is more than the number giving a positive response. When all answers are strongly positive, the index is 0. When all answers are strongly negative, the index is 200.
15
What do you think is the most important problem facing the United States in its dealings with the rest of the world? [open-ended]
Middle East Administration/politics Domestic problems Foreign policies World peace Trade decit Other None Dont know
40 17 11 8 3 1 8 1 11
42 16 12 7 6 2 5 1 8
36 16 10 8 3 3 13 1 9
How do you think the rest of the world sees the United States? Would you say they see the United States positively or negatively?
Positively (net) Very positively Somewhat positively Negatively (net) Somewhat negatively Very negatively Neutral or mixed Dont know 22 7 15 68 34 34 8 2 24 9 15 64 32 32 8 3 25 62 10 3
How important to our national security is it that the rest of the world sees the United States positively?
Very important Somewhat important Not too important Not at all important Dont know 67 24 5 3 1 65 22 5 6 2
Do you think that people in other countries see the United States as a strong leader, or not?
Yes No Dont know 59 37 4 59 36 5 66 30 4 53 41 6 69 27 4 63 32 5
16
84 13 3 67 29 4 76 21 3 75 22 3 71 28 2 79 18 2 72 25 3 55 40 5
81 14 5 63 31 5 72 20 8 78 17 5 67 27 6 81 16 3 66 29 5 52 42 5
81 15 4 63 32 5 73 23 4 74 22 4 71 24 5 80 17 2 72 23 5 56 37 7
as a bully, or not?
Yes No Dont know
as arrogant, or not?
Yes No Dont know
Is the balance between the attention paid to domestic and international issues about right, or should we be paying more attention to one or the other?
More attention domestic More attention international About right Dont know 53 15 24 8 47 15 28 9 55 8 28 8
Thinking about recent U.S. relations with the rest of the world, would you say things are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track?
Right direction Wrong track Dont know 26 67 6 35 58 7 37 59 4
17
Thinking about things that the government must do to ght terrorism, in your opinion, should the government put more emphasis on military efforts, or should it put more emphasis on diplomatic and economic methods?
More emphasis on military efforts More emphasis on diplomatic and economic methods Dont know
27 67 5
32 61 6
28 61 10
29 64 7
Thinking about current U.S. relations with the rest of the world, would you say that the world is becoming safer or more dangerous for the United States and the American people? Is that much or somewhat safer/more dangerous?
Much safer Somewhat safer Somewhat more dangerous Much more dangerous Dont know 4 9 34 48 4 6 13 36 43 2
How good a job is the United States doing these days as a leader in creating a more peaceful and prosperous world? Would you say the United States is doing
An excellent job A good job A fair job A poor job Dont know 6 20 39 34 1 10 21 39 30 1
10
What grade would you give the United States when it comes to achieving the following goals? Helping other countries when natural disasters strike
A B C D F Dont know 42 35 15 4 3 1 29 30 20 10 7 3 24 26 25 10 9 5 47 32 12 4 4 1 30 32 20 8 7 2 25 31 24 8 6 5 49 31 12 4 3 1 32 33 20 8 4 2 26 32 20 9 9 4 54 29 11 2 2 1 30 37 19 5 5 2 23 35 23 9 6 3
18
10
(continued) What grade would you give the United States when it comes
16 26 25 15 12 6 11 25 34 13 9 8 14 22 27 14 14 8 15 27 29 13 10 5
19 28 25 13 11 4 15 25 30 13 10 6 13 25 34 10 12 6 13 25 32 12 12 5
18 28 27 10 12 6 16 30 28 12 7 6 15 29 24 12 9 10 14 31 28 11 11 6
19 35 25 10 7 4 19 31 30 10 7 4 16 29 30 11 7 7 15 27 28 16 9 4
Doing our best to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians
A B C D F Dont know
Living up to our ideals of human rights and justice in the way we conduct our foreign policy
A B C D F Dont know 11 27 29 12 13 8 15 23 25 17 13 8 7 14 21 20 32 5 13 27 29 13 11 6 13 23 25 18 13 7 7 24 24 17 22 5 14 31 27 11 10 7 14 27 27 14 10 7 11 22 23 15 23 6 15 29 29 12 10 5 13 27 29 15 8 7 13 26 24 17 16 4
19
10
(continued) What grade would you give the United States when it comes
7 19 27 17 22 8
8 22 28 17 16 9
11 21 28 14 15 11
13 27 28 14 9 10
Protecting people or nations that are threatened with genocide or ethnic cleansing
A B C D F Dont know 10 23 26 16 15 10 11 25 26 12 8 16 11 31 35 14 8 1 9 16 27 14 20 13 8 18 28 15 11 19 7 11 20 25 33 4 11 23 27 15 12 12 12 29 31 9 7 11 10 35 29 14 8 4 6 11 24 19 33 7 13 24 25 15 11 11 11 26 28 11 10 13 10 32 37 10 6 4 7 13 22 20 31 6 12 24 28 16 10 10 11 34 32 14 6 4 7 16 24 24 26 3
20
10
(continued) What grade would you give the United States when it comes
to achieving the following goals? Having good relations and reputation with Muslim countries
A B C D F Dont know
5 15 28 23 22 7 8 13 25 22 29 4 6 12 20 22 35 5 5 11 22 17 27 18
5 14 32 17 22 9 6 12 27 23 28 4 7 11 25 21 30 6 7 13 26 15 21 19
6 19 28 19 17 9 6 13 27 20 30 4 4 11 24 22 35 4 6 14 25 16 17 21
7 21 32 19 13 7 7 18 29 21 24 7 4 14 26 21 31 5
11
Is the following something that you worry about a lot, is this something you worry about somewhat or is this something you do not worry about? The way things are going for the United States in world affairs
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 32 52 16 * 64 23 12 * 35 48 16 2 55 29 15 1 56 26 17 * 56 26 18 *
21
11
is this something you worry about somewhat or is this something you do not worry about? Terrorist groups may use biological, chemical or nuclear weapons to attack the United States
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know
March 2007 (%) Sept 2006 (%) Jan 2006 (%) June 2005 (%)
45 40 15 *
47 36 16 1
43 43 14 *
48 40 13 *
The war in Iraq is requiring so much money and attention that it may be distracting the United States from other threats in the world
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 48 35 16 * 42 36 21 1 44 36 19 * 43 34 23 *
Problems abroad may hurt our supply of oil and raise prices for American consumers
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 45 37 17 * 46 37 17 1 55 33 11 * 42 39 19
It may be too easy for illegal immigrants to come into the country
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 43 36 21 * 42 36 21 1 39 33 27 1 42 36 20 1 41 36 22 1 34 42 22 1 42 31 27 1 40 34 25 1
The United States may be losing the trust and friendship of people in other countries
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 36 42 21 1 34 39 26 1 29 43 27 1 40 35 25 1
There may be another major terrorist attack against the United States in the near future
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 42 37 20 * 33 35 31 1 45 37 17 1 27 37 32 3 41 42 16 * 27 34 36 2 37 42 21 32 31 36 2
22
The United States may owe too much money to other countries
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know
11
is this something you worry about somewhat or is this something you do not worry about? The growing power of China may be a threat to the United States
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know
25 43 31 1 57 30 12 * 45 37 17 * 41 34 24 1
30 38 31 1 45 36 19 * 33 35 30 2
29 38 32 * 52 35 12 1 32 37 29 2
29 37 33 1
Global warming
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know
That our actions in the Mideast are aiding the recruitment of terrorists
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 37 40 22 1 40 39 19 2 41 41 17 * 33 37 24 2 38 41 18 2 38 41 18 2 40 25 2 31 45 22 2 31 45 22 2
12
23
12
we can ght terrorism without sometimes using torture against suspected terrorists?
Yes No Dont know
54 40 6
54 39 6
56 37 7
56 39 5
when more countries become democratic, there will be less conict and violence in the world?
Yes No Dont know 50 46 4 45 51 4 52 42 6 44 53 2 53 42 5 47 49 4 51 45 4 46 52 3
13
cheaper elsewhere?
Realistic Unrealistic Dont know 23 75 2 26 70 3 22 74 3 21 78 1
the U.S. government will be able to maintain a stable supply of oil at a reasonable price?
Realistic Unrealistic Dont know 41 56 3 65 29 6 41 55 4 35 63 3
the U.S. government can prevent more countries from developing nuclear weapons?
Realistic Unrealistic Dont know 35 63 2 41 55 4 35 63 3
14
Is the following something our government can do a lot about, something about or not much about? Slowing illegal immigration in the United States
A lot Something Not much Dont know 47 36 16 1 13 35 49 3 49 37 11 3 20 36 40 4 48 37 14 1 22 39 35 4
24
14
something about or not much about? Preventing jobs from going overseas
A lot Something Not much Dont know
42 35 22 1 33 41 22 3 24 43 30 2 36 42 21 1
42 34 22 1 36 40 20 3 32 43 23 2 45 39 15 2
44 34 21 1 35 41 20 4 35 44 19 2 39 40 19 2
15
Do you think the United States can effectively help other countries become democratic, or is democracy something that countries only come to on their own when theyre ready for it?
The United States can help other countries become democracies Democracy is something that countries only come to on their own Dont know 23 74 3 31 64 5 36 58 6 38 54 4
25
16
33 63 3
37 57 5
34 60 5
32 64 4
17
How important to our foreign policy should each of the following be? Should this be very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important? Taking into account the views and interests of other countries
Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Dont know 47 43 6 4 1 49 41 6 3 1 40 47 6 4 2
Minding our own business and getting less involved with global issues
Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Dont know 32 38 12 16 2 17 48 20 12 2 68 28 1 2 1 30 40 14 13 3 24 45 17 11 2 71 26 1 1 * 31 38 13 14 3 20 46 18 12 3 71 24 2 2 1
Doing what we think is best for our own interests even if other nations oppose us
Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Dont know 46 36 9 7 3 51 33 7 7 2 46 33 9 8 4 45 36 10 6 3 44 34 11 7 3 50 31 8 7 3
Initiating military force only when we have the support of our allies
Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Dont know
26
17
following be? Should this be very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important? Cooperating with other countries on problems like the environment or control of diseases
Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Dont know
March 2007 (%) Sept 2006 (%) Jan 2006 (%) June 2005 (%)
72 24 2 1 * 44 45 7 3 * 67 27 4 1 * 51 38 7 4 * 60 29 5 4 1 75 20 3 1 1 60 27 5 6 2
73 22 3 1 1 46 42 8 4 1 71 24 3 2 * 54 35 6 4 1 60 30 5 4 1
70 25 2 3 1 40 48 6 4 1 51 37 8 4 1 57 35 4 3 1
27
18
Thinking about the benets of international trade, do you think for the most part the United States benets more than other countries, or that other countries benet more than the United States or are you unsure who benets?
The United States benets more than other countries Other countries benet more than the United States Unsure who benets more Dont know
Note: Questions 19 and 20 were asked later in the survey.
17 31 50 1
21
How much do you trust our government to tell the public the truth about our relations with other countries? Would you say you trust them
Very much Somewhat Not too much Not at all Dont know 7 33 32 27 * 10 39 27 22 1 11 37 28 23 *
21A
How truthful do you think the government has been in what it told the public about our actions in Iraq?
Completely Somewhat Not very Not at all Dont know 7 39 27 27 1
22
How would you describe the current violence in Iraq? Would you say it is ?
Mostly a civil war Mostly an uprising opposing the United Statess role in Iraq Dont know 50 42 7 19 51 27 3
23
24
Does the United States have a moral obligation to the Iraqi people, or should we act exclusively in our own nations interest without regard to how it affects the Iraqi people?
Moral obligation Nations interest Dont know 60 31 8
25
Do you think Americas safety from terrorism depends upon our success in Iraq, or does it not depend on our success in Iraq?
Depends upon our success in Iraq Does not depend upon our success in Iraq Dont know 34 61 5
28
19
Now turning to the topic of Iran, how closely are you following recent news about the current situation in Iran? Would you say you are following it very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely or not at all closely?
Very closely Somewhat closely Not too closely Not at all closely Dont know
21 43 19 16 *
20
In your view, of the ve choices I read, what is the one best way for the United States to deal with the current situation in Iran?
(Base: Respondents who have closely followed the current situation in Iran)
Use diplomacy to try to establish better relations Seek to impose international economic sanctions Threaten military action against Iran Take military action against Iran The United States doesnt have to do anything to deal with the current situation in Iran Dont know
44 28 5 8 11 3
26
Which statement comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right?
The Islamic religion is more likely than others to encourage violence among its believers The Islamic religion does not encourage violence more than others Dont know 48 42 10 46 39 14 45 39 15
27
What is your impressiondo you think the majority of Muslims support terrorism, or do you think a small minority of Muslims support terrorism?
The majority of Muslims support terrorism A small minority of Muslims support terrorism Dont know 21 71 7
28
Please tell me if each of the following would enhance our security a great deal, somewhat or not at all. Improving the effectiveness of our intelligence operations
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know 63 31 3 2 51 38 10 1 42 43 14 1 62 28 6 3 51 40 5 3 43 42 13 1 60 33 3 3 50 41 8 * 45 43 11 1 65 30 4 1 58 30 10 2 49 38 12 1
Showing more respect for the views and needs of other countries
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know
29
28
our security a great deal, somewhat or not at all. Creating policies that support equal rights and better educational opportunities for women in Muslim countries
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know
March 2007 (%) Sept 2006 (%) Jan 2006 (%) June 2005 (%)
29 43 25 2
32 44 20 3
30 45 19 4
41 37 20 2
Tighter control over foreign students who come to our colleges and universities to study
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know 34 46 18 1 40 39 19 1 32 44 21 3 41 34 23 2
Maintaining our military edge by exploring new technologies or placing weapons in space
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know 36 40 19 4 33 45 20 2 17 37 43 3 37 36 21 6 36 40 21 3 36 30 29 5 33 45 16 5 33 46 18 3 29 40 24 6 40 34 23 4 34 37 26 3
Giving government more power to investigate, even if we had to give up some of our privacy in order to do it
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know 21 41 36 2 24 35 37 3 27 35 36 1
Building large projects such as roads, dams and hospitals in developing countries
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know 23 46 30 1 20 52 27 2 28 42 26 3 20 47 29 3 19 55 23 3 20 53 23 3 29 43 26 2 27 46 26 2
30
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our security a great deal, somewhat or not at all. Becoming less dependent on other countries for our supply of energy
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know
March 2007 (%) Sept 2006 (%) Jan 2006 (%) June 2005 (%)
55 34 10 1
57 30 11 1
57 33 8 2
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Here are some criticisms of U.S. foreign policies that have been made in recent years. For each, please tell me if you nd the criticism to be totally justied, partly justied or not justied at all. The United States has been too quick to resort to war
(Base : Half of respondents)
31 39 28 2
27 36 33 3
34 31 32 3
35 27 37 1
The United States is so concerned with its own security that it sometimes abuses prisoners in the war on terrorism
(Base : Half of respondents)
20 39 36 4
The United States has often been allied with governments that are unjust and exploit their own people
(Base : Half of respondents)
18 50 26 5
17 44 32 7
15 48 30 7
24 46 26 4
U.S. policies are too pro-Israel for the United States to be able to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians
(Base : Half of respondents)
19 47 25 9
23 47 22 7
14 48 25 12
21 41 30 8
The United States is only concerned with its own interests and disregards the interests of other countries
(Base : Half of respondents)
20 40 37 2
15 46 35 3
16 40 39 5
19 36 44 1
31
Gender
Male Female 48 52
Race
White Black/African-American Hispanic Asian Something else 69 11 13 1 5
Age
1829 3039 4049 5064 65 or more 22 15 23 23 16
Income
$15,000 or under $15,001 to $25,000 $25,001 to $35,000 $35,001 to $50,000 $51,001 to $75,000 Over $75,000 15 14 14 13 16 20
Region
Northeast Midcentral South West 19 22 36 23
Religion
Christian Protestant Roman Catholic Mormon Orthodox Church Other Born-again/evangelical Not born-again/evangelical Jewish Muslim Buddhist Atheist Agnostic Something else No religion 80 60 26 3 * 8 43 55 1 * 1 1 2 2 10
Party
Republican Democrat Independent Something else 25 34 27 12
Political ideology
Liberal Moderate Conservative 22 31 36
Education
Less than high school High school graduate Some college or trade school, no degree Associates or 2-year degree Bachelors or 4-year degree Graduate degree 15 32 19 8 15 10
Are you or is anyone in your household a member of the military or armed services?
Yes, self Yes, other No 2 7 91
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Acknowledgments
The authors of the Public Agenda Condence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index would like to thank the following people for their support and assistance during the preparation of this report: Our partners at Foreign Affairs, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Ford Foundation for offering us the opportunity to conduct this research and for providing the freedom to explore the issues without constraint or bias. Special thanks to James F. Hoge Jr. of Foreign Affairs, Paul Brest, Smita Singh and Linda Frey at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and David Chiel and Marta Tellado at the Ford Foundation for their counsel and support; Dan Yankelovich, Robert Shapiro, Richard Haass, Bob Inman, Richard Danzig, John Doble, Ramon Daubon, Nancy Roman, Michele A. Flournoy, Allan Roseneld, David Frum and Nancy Soderberg for their help in the original conception of this project; Claudia Feurey and Michael Hamill Remaley for their efforts in bringing our work to the attention of a broad audience; David White, Jenny Choi and Peiting Chen, of Public Agenda Online, for producing a distinctive and highly informative online version of this report; And Public Agenda president Ruth A. Wooden for her vision, insight and guidance.
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Ofcers
Daniel Yankelovich Chairman Lloyd Morrisett Chairman, Executive Committee
Board of Directors
Alice S. Huang California Institute of Technology Bobby R. Inman Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired) David Mathews Kettering Foundation Judith Davidson Moyers Public Affairs Television, Inc. Peter G. Peterson The Blackstone Group Lois Dickson Rice The Brookings Institution Alice Rivlin The Brookings Institution
Honorary Member
Sidney Harman Harman International Industries
Max Stier Partnership for Public Service Deborah Wadsworth Senior Adviser, Public Agenda
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