Gauging Public Opinion on Foreign Policy
A new public opinion study (PDF) from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs polls Americans on their views of foreign policy issues. The poll, which surveyed more than 1,500 respondents during July, shows “the American public is concerned about the country’s standing in the world and favors major changes in U.S. foreign policy,” according to the Chicago Council.
Among the study’s findings:
- A majority of Americans say the United States should “be ready” to meet with leaders of Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea and Zimbabwe, as well as Hamas and Hezbollah.
- 43 percent say the United States should withdraw most of its combat troops from Iraq within two years, while 24 percent say the U.S. should withdraw immediately.
- 61 percent say there is likely to be increased violence and greater instability in Iraq when the United States does withdraw most of its combat troops.
- 68 percent said the United States should take military action to pursue high-ranking terrorists in Pakistan, with or without of the Pakistani government’s permission.
- 88 percent of Americans said the United States should sign a treaty banning nuclear weapons testing worldwide.
