Foreign Policy Blogs

Americans Prioritize International Cooperation

The United Nations Foundation released a public opinion poll this week, focusing on Americans’ foreign policy priorities. The headline: “New Opinion Research Shows American Voters Reject “Going It Alone”, Embrace International Cooperation.”

From the press release:

“An underlying shift is occurring in American attitudes regarding the international role and priorities of the United States. Voters across the party spectrum understand that America's reputation has faltered, and believe this is a problem for the nation that needs attention and repair,” said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation.

…Our research shows that Americans overwhelmingly support policies that promote a balance of military strength and diplomacy, and to prioritize international cooperation, instead of going it alone to advance our interests,” said Wirth.

Seventy-six percent of Republicans and Democrats and 70% of swing voters selected “a balance of toughness and diplomacy” as one of the top three attributes of the next president. Both Republicans (86%) and swing voters (74%) also chose keeping “America safe and secure” as a top attribute.

Working with organizations such as the United Nations and with other countries to tackle global terrorism was a priority attribute for Democrats (73%).”The overwhelming majority of American voters believe that America's reputation has suffered in the world. 78% of all voters believe the United States is less respected by other countries than it has been in the past.

80% of voters believe that working with major allies, and through international organizations, is a wiser strategy for achieving U.S. international affairs goals.”

View the full research findings here.

 

Author

Melinda Brouwer

Melinda Brower holds a Masters degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She received her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Spanish at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received a graduate diploma in International Relations from the University of Chile during her tenure as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. She has worked on Capitol Hill, at the State Department, for Foreign Policy magazine and the American Academy of Diplomacy. She presently works for an internationally focused non-profit research organization in Washington, DC.