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

US Role in World Affairs: Isolationism vs. Internationalism

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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]

(Now I am going to read you another series of statements on some different topics. For each statement, please tell me if you completely agree with it, mostly agree with it, mostly disagree with it or completely disagree with it.)...It's best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs.

Note: Asked of Form 1 half sample
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Values Survey, [Mar, 2009]

Promoting and Defending Democracy in the World

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(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]

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?

Associated Press/Gfk Poll, [Mar, 2011]

Thinking about US (United States) foreign policy in general, do you think the primary goal should always be promoting democracy, or should the goal sometimes be supporting governments friendly to the United States, even if it means helping a dictatorship?

Sample: National registered voters
Fox News Poll, [Mar, 2011]

Attitudes Towards Various US Foreign Policy Goals

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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....Taking measures to seek out and destroy terrorist groups in other countries--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]

(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.)...Taking measures to protect the US from terrorist attacks--do you think this should have top priority, some priority, or no priority at all?

Note: Asked of Form 2 half sample
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Political Survey, [May, 2011]

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

Circumstances Justifying Use of US Troops

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As you may know, under the current military policy, no one in the military is asked whether or not they are gay. But if they reveal that they are gay or they engage in homosexual activity, they will be discharged from the military. Do you personally think--gays should be allowed to serve openly in the military, gays should be allowed to serve under the current policy, or gays should not be allowed to serve in the military under any circumstances?

Gallup/USA Today Poll, [Jul, 2007]

Please tell me if you would support or oppose U.S. (United States) military action against Iraq in each of the following circumstances. What if...the United States joined together with its major allies to attack Iraq, with the full support of the United Nations Security Council? Would you support or oppose U.S. military action in this circumstance?

Princeton Survey Research Associates/Newsweek Poll, [Mar, 2003]

(Please tell me if you would support or oppose U.S. (United States) military action against Iraq in each of the following circumstances.) What if...the United States and one or two of its major allies attacked Iraq, without the support of the United Nations? Would you support or oppose U.S. military action in this circumstance?

Princeton Survey Research Associates/Newsweek Poll, [Mar, 2003]

Use of US Military in the Fight Against Terrorism

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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]

(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: Using overwhelming military force is the best way to defeat terrorism around the world. Second statement: Relying too much on military force to defeat terrorism creates hatred that leads to more terrorism. (If First/Second statement, ask:) Do you feel strongly about that, or not?

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Political Typology Survey, [Feb, 2011]

Congress and (Barack) Obama agreed recently on issues including tax cuts, unemployment benefits, gays in the military, a nuclear arms treaty and aid to 9/11 (September 11, 2001, the date of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon) responders. Regardless of your position on any of these issues individually, overall do you think it's a good thing or a bad thing that Congress and (Barack) Obama reached these agreements? (If Good/Bad thing, ask:) Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?

ABC News/Yahoo News Poll, [Dec, 2010]

From the Archives

(I'm going to mention the names of some foreign countries. For each I'd like you to tell me whether you think that country is a reliable ally of the United States--one that can be trusted to cooperate with the United States in almost any circumstance--or not?)...Egypt

ABC News/Washington Post Poll, [Feb, 1989]

Do you think President Reagan's actions in dealing with Soviet leader Gorbachev during the (November 1985) summit were too tough, not tough enough, or just about right?

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll, [Nov, 1985]

Which one or two of the following deserve the greatest attention from the Bush administration?...The tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, the tensions between India and Pakistan, the War in Afghanistan, Iraq and Saddam Hussein, or the Colombian government and its fight against drug producers and other insurgents? (If All, ask:) Well, if you had to choose just one or two, which deserve the most attention?

%
34		The tensions between Israel and the Palestinians
29		The tensions between India and Pakistan
21		The War in Afghanistan
20		Iraq and Saddam Hussein
10		The Columbian government and its fight against drug producers and other insurgents
19		All of these (vol.)
2		None of these (vol.)
4		Not sure

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll, [Jun, 2002]