Topics At A Glance: Role of the United States in the World

US Role in World Affairs: Isolationism vs. Internationalism

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(Here is another series of statements on some different topics.)...It's best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs. Do you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree?

Note: Asked of Form 1 half sample
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Values Survey, [Apr, 2012]

I'm going to read you some pairs of statements that will help us understand how you feel about a number of things. As I read each pair, tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to your own views--even if neither is exactly right....It's best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs. We should pay less attention to problems overseas and concentrate on problems here at home.

Pew Social Trends Poll, [Jul, 2011]

(Now I'm going to read a few more pairs of statements. Again, just tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to your own views--even if neither is exactly right.) First statement: It's best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs. Second statement: We should pay less attention to problems overseas and concentrate on problems here at home. (If First/Second statement, ask:) Do you feel strongly about that, or not?

Note: Asked in Survey A (half sample)
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Political Typology Survey, [Feb, 2011]

Promoting and Defending Democracy in the World

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(Tell me which comes closer to describing your views.)...The US (United States) should be promoting democracy around the world. The US should not be promoting democracy around the world.

Pew Global Attitudes Project Poll, [Mar, 2012]

(I'm going to read you some different things the president (Barack Obama) and Congress might try to do when it comes to world affairs. As I read each one, tell me if you think it should be one of their top priorities, important but not a top priority, or not that important.) What about...promoting democracy in other countries? (Read for first item, then as necessary:) Should this be one of their top priorities for world affairs, important but not a top priority, or not that important?

Note: Form B half sample
Kaiser US Role in Global Health Survey, [Feb, 2012]

(As I read a list of possible long-range foreign policy goals which the United States might have, tell me how much priority you think each should be given.)...Promoting democracy in other nations--do you think this should have top priority, some priority, or no priority at all?

Note: Asked of Form 1 half sample
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Political Survey, [May, 2011]

Attitudes Towards Various US Foreign Policy Goals

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As far as you are concerned, should the removal of the Syrian government from power be a very important foreign policy goal of the US (United States), a somewhat important goal, not too important, or not an important goal at all?

CNN/ORC International Poll, [Aug, 2012]

In general, does the United States rely on military strength too much, too little or about the right amount to achieve its foreign policy goals?

Pew Global Attitudes Project Poll, [Apr, 2012]

Which of the following statements comes closer to your view on how the United States should use military force to achieve its foreign policy goals?...American military force should only be used as a last resort, after diplomatic and economic efforts have failed. American military force should be used as readily as diplomatic and economic pressure and should not be held back only as a last resort.

Note: Asked of Form B half sample
CNN/ORC International Poll, [Dec, 2011]

Circumstances Justifying Use of US Troops

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There has been some discussion about the circumstances that might justify using US (United States) troops in other parts of the world. Please give your opinion about some situations. Would you favor or oppose the use of US troops...if North Korea invaded South Korea?

Note: 1/2 sample
Global Views 2010 Survey, [Jun, 2010]

(There has been some discussion about the circumstances that might justify using US (United States) troops in other parts of the world. Please give your opinion about some situations.) Would you favor or oppose the use of US troops...if China invaded Taiwan?

Note: 1/2 sample
Global Views 2010 Survey, [Jun, 2010]

Use of US Military in the Fight Against Terrorism

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(Now I'm going to read you some pairs of statements that might be made by Democratic and Republican candidates this fall (2012). After I read each pair, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.)...The Democratic candidate says: Our country is safer because we took out dozens of top Al-Qaeda terrorists and Osama bin Laden--and our enemies know we're dead serious. We've sustained our military and critical help for our veterans. But we also worked with our allies to bring change in Libya and Egypt without troops and got our troops out of Iraq and soon in Afghanistan--and plans a massive increase in military spending. I believe it's time to rebuild our country. The Republican candidate says: America's standing in the world today is worse than when Barack Obama took office. His first foreign policy act was to travel the world apologizing for past American actions, rather than promoting American values. He has refused to side with democratic movements in Iran and Syria. Perception of American weakness has emboldened our enemies and led to attacks on American embassies. Obama has insulted one of our closest allies by refusing to meet with the Prime Minister of Israel. Obama's doctrine of 'leading from behind' is not leading at all....(If Democratic/Republican, ask:) (Is that strongly or not so strongly?)

%
39		Democratic statement strongly
11		Democratic statement not strongly
9		Republican statement not strongly
33		Republican statement strongly
4		Both (Vol.)
1		Neither (Vol.)
3		Don't know/Refused

Sample: National likely voters
Note: Asked of Form B half sample
Democracy Corps/Resurgent Republi/NPR Poll, [Sep, 2012]

Do you approve or disapprove of the United States taking military action in countries where it believes terrorists are hiding?

CBS News Poll, [Nov, 2011]

Here are all the areas where you think the US (United States) has invested too many resources: the war in Iraq/the war in Afghanistan/pursuing terrorist groups like al Qaeda/providing equipment and training to prepare police and firefighters in the US for a terrorist attack/increasing airport security measures/giving military and economic aid to build alliances with other countries. How much do you think this over-investment of resources has contributed to America's economic problems today?...Not at all, a little, some, a lot

Note: Asked of those who said the US has invested too many resources over the last decade in any of these (71%)
PIPA/Knowledge Networks Poll, [Aug, 2011]

From the Archives

If you had to choose, how would you rather see the current situation in Iraq resolved--through diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions, through military air-strikes and missile attacks launched by the US (United States) and other countries, or through a military invasion using US and allied countries ground forces?

Note: Asked of Form B half sample
Gallup Poll, [Feb, 1999]

During the past year, do you think relations between the United States and Japan have gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same?

Sample: National Registered Voters
Note: Asked of half sample A
NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll, [Feb, 1992]

Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not...caused long-term damage to U.S. (United States) relations with countries that opposed the war, such as France and Germany? (If Has, ask:) A great deal or somewhat?

ABC News/Washington Post Poll, [Jun, 2005]