Foreign Policy Index Vol. 5

Volume 5 Fall 2007
PUBLIC AGENDA
Condence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index

Loss of Faith: Publics Belief in Effective Solutions Eroding
A Report from Public Agenda by Scott Bittle and Jonathan Rochkind
with Jared Bosk and Amber Ott Concept by Public Agenda Chairman and Co-Founder Daniel Yankelovich
with support from the Ford in cooperation with
Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
This report is available for free download at www.publicagenda.org.

2007 Public Agenda. Unauthorized duplication of this report is a violation of copyright.
Introduction: What will work?

Confidence Since Public Agenda began the Condence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index two years ago, public attitudes have grown darker and more anxious in almost every area weve examined. Perhaps that is not surprising in wartime. Yet we are reaching a point surprising in wartime. Yet we are reaching a point where the public seems to be questioning not just where the public seems to be questioning not just whether current policies are working, but whether whether current policies are working, but whether the United States can have an effective foreign polthe United States can have an effective foreign icy at all. The public shows an increasing loss of policy at all. The public shows an increasing loss of faith in many policy options, while public approval faith in many policy options, while public approval in almost every policy area has declined. in almost every policy area has declined. If the publics concerns on foreign affairs have a If the publics concerns on foreign affairs have a place at the policy-making tableand we believe place at the policy-making tableand we believe they dothen the fact that none of the trends have they dothen the fact that none of the trends have been positive should be a matter of grave concern. been positive should be a matter of grave concern. For example: For example: The public shows a growing loss of confidence in manypublic shows a strategies,loss of condence The foreign policy growing including options inthat the public policy strategies, including options many foreign has always considered among the that the public has alwayscontrolling immigration most promising, such as considered among the most promising,intelligence gathering.immigration and improved such as controlling and improved intelligence gathering. remains at a Public anxiety about foreign policy high level. Our Anxiety Indicator stands at 136, down one point about six months ago and still Public anxiety from foreign policy remains atuncomfortably Our Anxiety150 mark we would a high level. close to the Indicator stands at consider collapse of confidence in the govern136, downa one point from six months ago and ments foreign policy. still uncomfortably close to the 150 mark we Roughly half a public of condence in the would considerthe collapsedoubts the government is telling them the truth about our actions in Iraq governments foreign policy. and Afghanistan, while 57 percent doubt the gov ernment is telling the truth about government is Nearly half the public doubts the relations with other them the in general. our actions in Iraq, telling countries truth about There is declining satisfaction with how the govAfghanistan and more than 5 in 10 doubts the ernment is performing in foreign policy in areas government is telling them the truth about foreign that the public has long considered Americas affairs in general. strongest points, such as disaster relief and maintaining a strong military There is continued dissatisfaction with how the government is the central foreign policypolicy, Iraq, of course, is performing in foreign quesincluding areas that Given the has long considered tion for the public. the public ferocious debate of Americas strongest points, suchanticipated Petrathe past six monthsthe much as disaster relief and report, Democrats repeated attempts to set a eus maintaining a strong military. withdrawal deadline or cut off funds and President Iraq, ofannouncement of a foreign policy question Bushs course, is the central troop drawdown next for the public. Given how ferocious debate of the yearits remarkable the little public attitudes on pastwar have changed. much anticipated Petraeus the six monthsthe There Democrats repeated attempts to set a report,does seems to be a modest Petraeus effect, with a small decline in those who and President withdrawal deadline or cut off fundsgive the United States failing grades for troop drawdown But Bushs announcement of a its efforts in Iraq. next when it comes to fundamental public attitudes on yearits remarkable how little attitudes about the war, it is as if the last the war have changed.six months of debate never happened. More than two-thirds of the public believe we should withdraw within a year. Nearly 6 There does seem to be a modest Petraeus effect, in 10abelieve decline in those who give the United with small Americas safety from terrorism does not depend on our success in Iraq. in Iraq. But States failing grades for its efforts Half do not believeitthe United States can do much to control when comes to fundamental attitudes about the violence or create a stable democracy. But 6 the war, it is as if the last six months of debate in 10 also believe we have a moral obligation to never happened. More than two-thirds of the the Iraqi people. All of these results are essentially public believe we should withdraw. Nearly Six unchanged since the spring. in 10 believe Americas safety from terrorism does pessimism about Iraq, combinedIraq. Half The not depend on what happens in with perdo not believe anxiety, sour grades and much to sistently high the United States can do flagging control the in solutions, create a stable democracy. confidence violence or is troubling because it sugBut nearly 6 public hasnt heard we have a moral gests that the in 10 also believe anything to make obligation toAmericas people.positionthese results them think the Iraqi global All of is likely to are essentially unchanged since the spring. House improveeither from Congress, the White or the presidential candidates. If anyone has preThe pessimism way out from the troubles facing sented a credible about Iraq, combined with persistently the public has sour yet acknowledged it. the nation, high anxiety, not grades and agging condence in solutions, is troubling because it This is that the public the Confidence in U.S. suggeststhe fifth edition of hasnt heard anything Foreign Policy think Americas global months to make themIndex, conducted every six position in association with Foreign Affairs, Americas is likely to improveeither from Congress, the most influential publication on international relaWhite House or the presidential candidates. If tions. The presented a credible 110 questions to anyone hasindex uses more thanway out from the find out what the nation, the public has not yet troubles facingworries the public about Americas place in the world, acknowledged it. to grade the government on its efforts and to determine what they believe the nations is the fthshould be. the Condence in U.S. This priorities edition of Foreign Policy Index, conducted every six months In addition, the Foreign Policy Anxiety Indicator in association with Foreign Affairs, Americas most is designed to measure the publics overall level of inuential publication on international relations. concern with or confidence in international affairs The index uses more than 110 questions to nd in much the same way the Consumer Confidence out what worries the public about Americas place Index measures their view of the economy. (See the in the world, page 14 and government on itssection indicator on to grade the the methodology efforts andmore detail on how we calculate the indicator.) for to determine what they believe the nations priorities should be. The indicator is a useful tool for policy makers In addition, public approaches foreign policy very because the the Foreign Policy Anxiety Indicator is designed from domestic issues. Most people addifferently to measure the publics overall level of concern with or condenceunderstanding of affairs mit they dont have a deep in international interin much affairs andway usually willing to leave it to national the same are the Consumer Condence
CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007
3 2
the expertsunless they believe things are seriously Index measures their view of the economy. (See off methodology section is more detail on how the course. The indicator fordesigned to provide a guide to when the public believes foreign affairs dewe calculate the indicator.) mand their attention. The one-point decline in the indicator leavesisitaessentially unchanged from six The indicator useful tool for policy makers months ago, public approaches foreign policy very because the with public concern at a high level. differently from domestic issues. Most people admit they dont have a deep understanding of international affairs and are usually willing to leave it to the expertsunless they believe things are seriously off course. The indicator is designed to provide a guide to when the public believes foreign affairs demand their attention. The onepoint decline in the indicator leaves it essentially unchanged from six months ago, with public concern at a high level.
Events in the news are aapowerful force on public the news are powerful force on public attitudes. Our survey was the field the attitudes. Our survey was ininthe eld the week following the Petraeus report and President Bushs address to the nation on Iraq. In addition, Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad made a highly president Mahmud Ahmadinejad made a highly publicized (and criticized) visit to New York while publicized (and criticized) visit to New York while the survey was under way. the survey was under way.
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Summary of ndings
Over the last two years, the public shows a growing loss of faith in the United States ability to have an effective foreign policy. Confidence in policy. in the United Statess ability to have an effective foreign many strategies is falling, and public in many in almost is falling and public declined. . Condence approval strategies every policy area hasapproval in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 There are significant declines in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . almost every policy area has declined . confidence .that .a. wide. range .of. strategies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 would enhance U.S. security a great deal, including supporting womens rights To come in Muslim countries (down 14 percent), showing more respect for the views of other countries past 11 percent), ferocious debate over Iraq Despite the(downsix months ofimproved effectiveness of intelligence operations (down 9 percent), and tighter controls produced no shift in policy or perhaps because that debate on immigration (down 6 percent). There are also significant declines since 2005 war . .publics.perception. of. .how. well. the . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 public attitudes remain pessimistic about the in the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . government is carrying out foreign policy in many areas. To come Despite the past six months of ferocious debate over Iraqor perhaps because that While strong majorities continue to favor nonmilitary solutions, debate produced no shift in policypublic attitudes remain pessimistic about the war . . . . . . . . . . . 9 there is some evidence of a small shift away from diplomacy, The effect of the Petraeus report on public attitudes seems limited to how intensely the particularly on Iran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 public disapproves of the conduct of the war. The number who give the United States To come grades of C or worse for meeting our objectives in Iraq is essentially unchanged, but the number who give clearly failing D or F grades declined six points. Those giving an The or B grade rose 4 points. more frustrated with the governments A public has become even efforts on hardly any change for be movingIraq indicators, with roughly. two. thirds.favor- . . . . . . . . . . . 10 There is immigration and may our other closer to a tipping point . . . . . . . . . . . . . To come a gradual withdrawal and roughly half saying theres not much the United ing at least States can do to create a democratic Iraq or to control the violence there. The public continues to be sharply divided on ideological lines in foreign policy, but there continue to favor nonmilitary solutions, there is some evidence While strong majorities has been a signicant decline in Republican condenceshift away from diplomacy, .particularly .on .Iran. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. . 10 12 of a small in fostering democracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To come say the government should put more emphasis on diplomatic and economic Two thirds efforts rather than force. Eight are continue to reject the use of force against the world Womenin 10more worried about Americas position in Iran, but, there is a slight shift towards fatalistic, while men are more critical about U.S. policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and more a more aggressive stance, with those favoring diplomacy to .establish .better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 relations To come falling nine points to 35 percent. Those who favored threatening or using force rose six points, to 19 percent. The public has become even more frustrated with the governments efforts on immigration and may be moving closer to a tipping point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 More than 8 in 10 (83 percent) give the government grades of C or worse on controlling immigration, an increase of nine points since 2005. The number who give an outright F jumped eight points in six months, to 37 percent. This also ranks high as a public concern, with 45 percent saying they worry a lot that its too easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country. Substantial numbers (46 percent) believe the government can do a lot to slow illegal immigration, and very few say the government can do nothing at all about it.
5 4
Summary of ndings
(continued)
Overpublic continues to thesharply shows a on ideological lines in foreign policy, but The the last two years, be public divided growing loss of faith there United Statess ability to have an confidence for fostering in the has been a decline in Republican effective foreign policy. democracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Democrats and Republicans continue to differ greatly on issues Condence in many strategies is falling and public approval in of foreign policynearly half of Republicans (49%) say U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . almost every policy area has declined foreign.policy.is .heading .in .the. right. direction,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 compared To come with only 14 percent of Democrats. Also, 45 percent of Republicans give A or B grades for meeting our objectives in Iraq, compared with only 15 percent of Democrats. Despite the past six months of ferocious debate over Iraq Since 2005, there has been a 24-point drop in the number of Republicans who believe or perhaps because that debate produced no shift in policy the United States can pessimistic about become . . . . . . . . . . . public attitudes remainhelp other countriesthe war .democracies.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 To come Women are more worried about Americas position in the world and more fatalistic, while men are more critical about U.S. policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 While strong majorities continue to favor nonmilitary solutions, Women are more likely to be worried about security--53 percent of women say they there is some evidence of a small shift away from diplomacy, worry a lot about a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction, compared particularly on Iran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 with 44 percent of men. To come Wheyre also less likely to believe the government can do a lot about the problems facing the country. For example, only 42 percent of women say the government can The public has become United States less dependent on foreign energy, compared with do a lot to make the even more frustrated with the governments efforts on immigration and may be moving closer to a tipping point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 58 percent of men. To come more likely to believe that criticisms of U.S. policy are at least partly justified, Men are such as the United States has allied with governments that exploit their own people The publicmen agree compared to 61% of women agree); that thein (73% of continues to be sharply divided on ideological lines United States resorts foreign policy, but there has been a signicant decline in Republican and disregards to torture in the war on terrorism (65% of men/47% of women agree); condence in of other countries (70%. of .men/58% .of. women .agree).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 the interests fostering democracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To come Foreign policy anxiety indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Women are more worried about Americas position in the world Indicator fatalistic, while . . . . . . . . . . critical . . . . . . . policy and more methodology . . .men are more . . . . . . about.U.S. . . . . . ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. . 15 13 To come Grades at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Worries at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Goals at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Strategies at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Full survey results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
is working, but theyre increasingly skeptical about This decline in condence seems to occur whether is working, but theyre increasingly skeptical about This decline in condence seems to occur whether whether anything can turn the situation around. the proposed strategy is hawkish or dovish, whether anything can is hawkish or dovish, the proposed strategyturn the situation around. whether it involves hard power or soft power The public involves hard power orforeign policy whether it not only doubts that U.S. soft power condence This decline in condence seems much stock in it This declineor theyre public put to occur whether orworking, but not the increasingly skeptical about condence is whether in confidence seems to occur whether This decline in condence seems much stock in it or whether or not the public put to occur whether the proposed strategyturn proposed strategy is hawkish or dovish, in the rst place. can is cases, condence has has thethe rstplace. InIn somethe situation around. whether anything some hawkish or dovish, the in proposed strategy is hawkish or dovish, cases, condence dewhether it involves hard power or soft power power in power clined slowly over two years, whileor softothers it whether it involves hard years, whileothers it has whether slowly over two declined it involves hard power or soft power in or whether or not the public put much stock in it dropped sharply inthe public put to occur whether six or whether or not the public put tomonths. in it This declineor not the pastpastmonths. stock in it decline in condence seems much stock in condence seems much whether This or the rst place. In some cases, condence has dehaswhether sharply in the dropped six occur in the rstplace. InIn some cases, condence has first confidence in proposed strategy is hawkish or dovish, rst place. some dethe proposed strategy hawkish or dovish, thethe rst place. In is cases, condence has has in the slowly over twosome cases, condence has clined slowly over two years, whileorbeen others it For example, since hard years, whileothers it has clined it involves 2005 there have softothers it years, whileor soft declines in in power whether it involves hard years, whileothers it power in in power declined slowly over two there have been declines whether slowly over two power declined For example, since 2005 six droppedwho think any public put much stock indo in those sharply inthe of these months. would it dropped sharply inthe public put much stock in it the six six months. or whether or not the pastpaststrategies haswhether or not any of these months. would do or those who sharply in pastpaststrategies has dropped sharply in the the six months. in dropped think a the rst place. In some cases, condence has dein great deal to strengthen U.S. security: in the rst place. 2005 there have been a great dealsince In some U.S. security: declines to strengthen cases, condence has For example, For example, since 2005 there have been declines clined slowly over two years, while in others it has For example, since 2005 there have been declines declined slowly while in For example, womens rights in Muslim declines since 2005 in those sharplyover two years,strategies others it Supporting think any of there have beenwould do in those who think any of these months. would do droppedwho think any of these strategiescountries, in the past six inSupporting think any of these strategies would do hasgreat who sharply inrightsU.S. security:would do dropped in those who womens the in Muslim countries, those deal to strengthen these six months. down 14 points strengthenpaststrategies a a great deal to strengthen U.S. security: a great deal to a example, to U.S. security: down 14 points strengthen U.S. security: Showing more respect for the have been needs of Forgreat dealsince 2005 there views and declines For example, womens rights inhave been declines since 2005 there Muslim countries, Supporting think any rights in Muslim would do other countries, downof these strategiescountries, womens 11 points inSupporting womens rights in Muslim countries, those down who think any rights in strategies would do Supporting womens of these views and needs inShowing effectiveness of those who down 14 more Supporting to Improvedpointsrespect for intelligence operations, a great14 points strengthen the Muslim countries, deal U.S. security: down 14 countries, down 11 points a other points great points Showing more respect for the views and needs of down 14 points ofShowing more strengthen U.S. security: down 9deal torespect for the views and needs of other countries, down 11 points other countries, downrightsdevelop economically, Helping Muslim countries in Muslim countries, Supporting womens 11 points down 8 points Showing more Supporting womens rightsthe Muslim 9needs Improvedpointsrespect gathering, downcountries, Showing effectiveness for intelligence operations, intelligence of in views and points Improvedmore respect for intelligence operations, 14 effectiveness of the views and needs ofdown 9countries,on immigration, down 6 points other countries, down 11 points down 14 points ofTighter points down 11 points other more down 9 points respect for the views and needs of Showingcontrols Helping Muslimdown 11 pointsby exploring new Maintaining our military develop economically, Helping Muslim countriesedge other countries, countries develop economically, technologies or placingof intelligence operations, Improved effectivenessgathering, down 9 points down 8 points Showing intelligence for the views and points intelligence weapons in space, down down 8 8 points down points Improvedmore respect gathering, down 9needs 6 other countries,on immigration, down 6 points ofTighter controls down 11 points points down 9 points on immigration, down 6 points Tighter controls Tighter controls on foreign students in 6 points Maintaining our countriesedge by exploring new Helping Muslim military develop economically, Muslim military develop economically, Maintaining our countriesedge by exploring new Helpingcontrol overimmigration, down the Unittechnologies or down 8 8 points placing weapons down 9 points ed States, down placing weapons in space, down Improved intelligence gathering, in space, down technologies or 5 points down points down 8 points 6 points 6 points controls on immigration, down 6 points Tighter Maintaining our military edge with space Tighter control over foreign students in the Unit Tighter control overimmigration, down the UnitMaintaining our on immigration, exploring new Helping controls on foreign students in 6 points Muslim points controls countries develop economically, technology, down 6military edge bydown 6 points ed States, down 5 points ed States, down placing weapons in space, down technologies or 5 points down 8 points 6 points control over foreign students in the Maintaining our military edge with space Maintaining our military edge with space Tighter technology, down 6 points Tighter control overimmigration, down the Unitcontrols on points technology, down 6 5foreign students in 6 points United States, downpoints ed States, down 5 points Tighter control over foreign students in the Maintaining our military edge with space Tighter control over foreign students in the United States, downpoints technology, down 6 5 points United States, down 5 points Tighter control over foreign students in the United States, down 5 points
Over the last two years, the public shows a growing loss of faith in the United Statessability to have an effective foreign policy. Condence States ability to have an effective foreign policy. Condence Over the strategies is falling public shows a growingalmost every in the in many last two years, the public shows a growing loss of faith in the falling, and public approval in loss of faith Over the last two years, the and public approval in almost everypolicy United area has abilityto have an effective foreign policy. Confidence area has declined to have an effective foreign policy. Condence policy Statessability to have an effective foreign policy.Condence United States ability to have an effective foreign policy. Condence Statess ability Condence States declined in many strategies is falling public shows a growingalmost every in the and public approval in almost every policy in many strategies is falling,and public approval in almost everypolicy falling and public approval in loss of faith falling, Over the last two years, the and public approval in almost every area has declined to have an effective foreign policy. Condence policy area has ability to foreign policy The public not only doubts that U.S.have an effective foreign policy. Condence area has declined policy area has declined United Statessability States declined Decline in confidence for these strategies is working, but theyre increasingly skeptical about in many strategies the falling around.publicapprovalthat the following every policy in almost every whether anything can turn is falling,and public approvalin almost proposals would situation and Percent who say The public not only doubts that U.S. foreign policy strengthen our nations security a great deal: The public not only doubts that U.S. foreign policy area has declined policy area has declined Decline in confidence for these strategies
Summer in Fall 2007 Decline 2005 confidence for these strategies
(%) 10 20 30 40 50 60 Percent who say that the 0following proposals 70 80 90 100 Percent who say that the following proposals would would strengthen our nations security a great deal:65% strengthen effectiveness Improving the our nations security a great deal: Fall 2007 of ourSummer 2005 operations intelligence 56% Decline 2005 confidence for these strategies Summer in Fall 2007 (%) 10 20 30 40 50 60 Percent who say that the 0following proposals 70 80 90 would Improving the our nations security a great deal:65% strengthen effectiveness 5865% % Improving the effectiveness Tighter controls on of our intelligence operations 56% of ourSummer to the U.S. Fall 2007 intelligence immigration2005 operations 52%% 56 (%) 0 (%) 0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 100
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Showing more effectiveness Tighter controls on for Improving the respect Tighter controls on the views and theoperations immigration toneeds of of our intelligence U.S. immigration to the U.S. other countries
58% 49% 65% 58% 56 38% 52%% 52%
Tighter control over foreign Showing more respect for Showing more respect for 49% 49 58 41% % % students and needs of Tighter controls on the viewswho come to our the views and needs of 38% 52% colleges and to the U.S. immigration universities 38% 36% other countries other countries to study Tighter control over foreign Tighter control over foreign Maintaining our military Showing who respect foredge students morecome to our 41% % 49 40 41% % students who come to our by views and needs of theexploring new technologies colleges and universities 36% colleges and universities 38 34%% 36% or placing weapons in space other countries to study to study Creating policies that support Tighter control over foreign Maintaining our military edge Maintaining our military edge 40% equal rights new better and technologies 41% % 40 students who come to our by exploring new technologies by exploring opportunities for 34% educational universities colleges and or placing weapons in space 2734% % % 36 or placing Muslim countries women in weapons in space to study Creating policies that support Creating policies that support Doing more and better Maintaining our military edge equal rightsto help 41% 27% 40%40% equal rights and better 41% Muslim countriestechnologies by exploring opportunities for new develop educational opportunities for 27% educational 19% 34% 27% economically or placing weapons in space women in Muslim countries women in Muslim countries Creating policies that support Doing more to help may be slightly edited for space and clarity. Question wording Doing more to help equal rights and develop 27% to Muslim countriesbetterequal 100 percent27% 41%rounding Percentages maydevelop due Muslim countries not 19% % educational economicallyopportunities for or the omission of some answer categories. 19% 27 economically women in Muslim countries
Question wording may be slightly edited for space and clarity. Doing more to help may be slightly edited for space and clarity. Question wording Percentages may not equal 100 percent due to rounding 27% Percentages maydevelop percent due Muslimomission of not equal 100 categories. to rounding countries or the omission of some answer categories. 19% or the some answer
economically
Question wording may be slightly edited for space and clarity. Percentages may not equal 100 percent due to rounding or the omission of some answer categories.
CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007 CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007
6 6
Since we began the Foreign Policy Index, the pubwe began the Foreign Policy Index, the lic has has favored a cluster of strategies to make public favored a smallsmall cluster of strategies to the United States more more secureprimarily make the United States secureprimarily better intelligence gathering, controlling illegal immigrabetter intelligence gathering, controlling illegal tion and energy independence. These top three immigration and energy independence. But over strategiesyears have considerable backing from the the two still that Public Agenda has conducted public, with a little more than in these areas where the index, approval has fallen half persuaded they would do a great deal to enhance national sethe United States has previously gotten its highest curity. But they public. been immune from the ratings from the have not overall decline in confidence. These top three strategies still have considerable This trend is particularly worrisome combined backing from the public, with a little more than with two other factors. One is that the public has half persuaded they would do a lot to enhance a steadily more negative view of how well the govnational security. But of those three, only ernment is conducting foreign policy. Although energy independence is holding steady in public the public has been highly critical of government approval.many areas, theres been a significant depolicy in cline in ratings for areas that were previously seen This trend is particularly worrisome combined as Americas strong suits. with two other factors. One is that the public has a steadily more negative view of how well the government is conducting foreign policy. Although the public has been highly critical of government
For example, theres been a 16-point signicant policy in many areas, theres been a drop since 2005 in those who give the that were previously decline in ratings for areas United States an A grade Americas out during natural disasters (alseen asfor helping strong suits. though the 2005 survey probably reflected positive feelings about the successful Indonesian tsunami For example, theres been a 16-point drop since 2005 relief effort). There have also States declinesgrade in those who give the United been an A in A andhelping out during natural disasters (although for B grades for hunting down anti-American terrorists (down 13 points), reected positiveto bring the 2005 survey probably doing our best feelings peace between Israel and the Palestinians (down about the successful Indonesian tsunami relief 12), giving thehave also terror declines in A and B effort). There war on been the attention it deserves (down 10) and having a strong military grades for hunting down anti-American terrorists (down 9 points). (down 13 points), doing our best to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians (down 12), In many of these areas, half or more of the public giving the war on terror the attention it deserves still give high grades (69 percent still give As and (down 10) and relief and strong military having 9 Bs for disaster having a 58 percent for (down a points). strong military, for example). But the decline in satisfaction is significant and troubling. In many of these areas, half or more of the public still give high grades (69 percent still give As and Bs for disaster relief and 58 percent for having a strong military, for example). But the decline in satisfaction is signicant and troubling.
Decline in favorable grades over two years A and B grades over two years
What grade would you give the U.S. when it comes to achieving the following goals? Percent who say A or B:
Helping other countries when they are struck by natural disasters
Hunting down anti-American terrorists
83%
80%
79%
77%
69%
54%
46%
Spring 2006
47%
42%
Spring 2007
41%
100
Fall 2007
Summer 2005
Spring 2006
Fall 2006
Spring 2007
Fall 2007
Summer 2005
Fall 2006
50
Making sure we have a strong, well-supplied military
Doing our best to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians
67%
65%
62%
59%
58%
45%
Summer 2005
44%
Spring 2006
38%
Fall 2006
36%
Spring 2007
33%
100
Fall 2007
Summer 2005
Spring 2006
Fall 2006
Spring 2007
Fall 2007
Giving the war on terror all the attention it deserves
50
58%
58%
56%
50%
48%
Summer 2005
Spring 2006
Fall 2006
Spring 2007
Fall 2007
100
7 50
As in previous editions of of the index, there also in previous editions the index, there are are four ve of serious public dissatisfaction that is also areasareas of serious public dissatisfaction both broad (with three-quarters of the public the that is both broad (with three-quarters of giving a grade of grades of Cand worse) and intense public giving C or worse) or intense (with about As in previous editions of the index, there are half giving a half giving D andFone area that is (with nearly D or F mark). or marks). Illegal also ve areas of serious public dissatisfaction approaching this threshhold. jobs, stopping illegal immigration, protecting U.S. Illegal immigration, that is both broad (with three-quarters of from the protecting U.S. jobs,the country, achieving energy drugs from entering stopping illegal drugs public giving country of Cachieving energy indeor worse) and intense entering the grades and in Iraq all are areas of independence and the war (with nearly half giving D or Fas havingIllegal pendence can be characterized marks). both major public discontent. immigration, protecting U.S. jobs,and in addition broad and intense dissatisfaction stopping illegal drugs from entering the country, achievingclose to energy meeting our objectivesareas of high dissatisfaction Signicantly, two of those in Iraq is very independence andof the public gives aare areas of these marks (71% the war in Iraq all grade of C (immigration and energy independence) have also major public discontent. it a D or F). or worse and 46% gives consistently been among the publics most favored strategies. So the public still sees them as promising Significantly, two of those areas high dissatisfaction Signicantly, two of those areas of of high dissatisfacstrategies for the United Statesbut the low grades tion (immigration and energy independence) also (immigration and energy independence) havehave suggest they dontbeen among the getting also consistently think the government is favored consistently been among the publicspublics most most very far strategies. So thethem. still sees them as in implementing public favored strategies. So the public still sees them as promising promising strategies for Statesbut the low grades strategies for the United the United Statesbut the low grades suggest think the think the government Broad and intense dissatisfaction suggest they dont they dontgovernment is getting isWhat grade would youimplementing them. getting very far in give them. very far in implementing the United States
Broad and intense dissatisfaction 60 (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50
when it comes to achieving the following goals? Percent who say C, D, or F:
70 80 90 100
What grade meeting you give the United States Succeeding in would our 70 objectives in Iraq when it comes to achieving the following goals? % Percent who say C, D,or F: or F: Stopping illegal drugs from 75% coming into the country C D F Becoming less dependent on other countries for our (%) Protecting in borders Succeedingour meeting our supply of energy from illegal Iraq objectives inimmigration Protecting American jobs Protecting American jobs from moving overseas Stopping illegal drugs from from moving overseas coming into the country Protecting our borders from illegal immigration Becoming less dependent on other countries for our supply of energy Stopping American jobs Protectingillegal drugs from coming into overseas from movingthe country Succeding in borders Protecting ourmeeting our objectives in Iraq from illegal immigration
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
The second troubling factor is that large segments of the public doubt the government is telling the truth on foreign policy. Some 57 percent say they trust the government not too much or not at Theto tell them the truth about relations segments second troubling all to tell them the factor is that large with with truth about relations othof countries. Thats essentially unchanged from a the public doubt the government is telling the er other countries. Thats essentially unchanged from truthago.foreign policy. Some 57 percent say they year on a year ago. trust the government not too much or not at all to tell them the truth about relations with The government gets better grades for for telling The government gets better grades telling the other countries. Thats essentially unchanged from the truth in specific areas, although the of doubt truth in specic areas, although the levels levels of a year are still uncomfortably high for Iraq (52 perdoubt ago. are still uncomfortably high for Iraq (52 percent), cent), Afghanistan (48 percent), the war on terror Afghanistan (48 percent), the war on terror (42 Thepercent) and gets better securityfor telling the (42 government homeland grades (40 percent). percent) and homeland security (40 percent). The The in specic areas, although government to truthnumber who say they trust the levels of doubt number who say they trust the government to tell still truth on homeland security, in particular, the uncomfortably high for Iraq (52 percent), are tell the truth on homeland security, in particular, dropped six (48 percent), the Afghanistan points in a year. war on terror (42 dropped six points in a year. percent) and homeland security (40 percent). The These high and consistent levels of distrust may to number who say they trust the government be These high and consistent levels of distrust may be having truth on homeland security, in particular, tell the a corrosive effect on public attitudes, in the having a corrosive effect of what is attitudes,andthe publics six points both on public working in of droppedperception in a year. publicsachievable. both of what is working and of what is perception what is achievable. These high and consistent levels of distrust may be having a corrosive effect on public attitudes, in the publics perception both of what is working and of what is achievable.
77%
70% 83% 79% 7579% % 82% 77% 77% 79% 76% 71% 82%
As in previous editions of the index, there are also four areas of serious public dissatisfaction that is both broad (with three-quarters of the public giving grades of C or worse) and intense (with about half giving D or F marks). and one area that is approaching this threshhold. Illegal immigration, protecting U.S. jobs, stopping illegal drugs from entering the country and achieving energy independence can be characterized as having both broad and intense dissatisfaction and in addition meeting our objectives in Iraq is very close to these marks (71% of the public gives a grade of C or worse and 46% gives it a D or F mark). Signicantly, two of those areas of high dissatisfaction (immigration and energy independence) have also consistently been among the publics most favored strategies. So the public still sees them as promising strategies for the United Statesbut the low grades suggest they dont think the government is getting very far in implementing them.
The s of th truth trust all to er cou year a
The the tr doubt cent), (42 p The n tell th dropp
These havin public what
aq is the central foreign merican publicfully 25 olunteer it as the nations blem. And no political isy debated over the last six ocrats repeated attempts ithdrawal, a major White up support and the much report by General David r Ryan Crocker. Whether an opponent, September e a make-or-break month
Despite the past six months of ferocious debate over Iraqor perhaps because that debate produced no shift in policypublic attitudes remain pessimistic about the war Despite the past six months of ferocious debate over Iraqor perhaps Theres no question debate central foreign policy Nearly half (47 percent) consider Iraq rebecause that Iraq is the produced no shift in policypublic attitudes mostly question for the American publicfully 25 percent a civil war. main pessimistic about the war remain pessimistic about the war in our survey volunteer it as the nations biggest
international problem. And no political issue has been as intensely question over the lastthe months, with the Theres no question Iraq is six central foreign Theres no debated Iraq is the central foreign policy Democrats repeated attempts to force a deadline for policy question for the American publicfully 25 question for the American publicfully 25 percent withdrawal,our volunteer itHouse campaign nations percent surveymajor White as the nations to build in our in a survey volunteer it as the biggest up support and the much anticipatedno political isbiggest international problem. And issue has been international problem. And no political benchmark report by General Davidthe last sixand Ambassador sue has been as intenselyPetraeus months, with the as intensely debated over debated over the last six Ryan Crocker. Whether you were a supporter or for months, with the Democrats force a deadline an Democrats repeated attempts to repeated attempts opponent, deadline for2007 was considered to build to force a September withdrawal, a majorto be a withdrawal, a major White House campaign White make-or-break month for the war. House campaign to much up support and the much up support and the build anticipated benchmark anticipated benchmarkPetraeusby General David report by General David report and Ambassador Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. Whether Yet when it comes to public attitudes, very or an Ryan Crocker. Whether you were a supporter little you were a supporter or an opponent, six months seems to have changed. Compared with September opponent, September 2007 was considered to be a 2007 was considered ago, the publicmonth to be a make-or-break month make-or-break is slightly less war. for the pessimistic about U.S. for the war. progress in Iraq, but just as doubtful about our prospects. it comes to public attitudes, very little Yet when Yet when it comes to public attitudes, very little seems to have changed. Compared with six months seems to have changed. Compared with six seems The the public is slightlyon public attitudesmonths Petraeus effect ago, the public is slightly less pessimistic about U.S. ago, mostly a modest reduction in how intensely less pessimistic about U.S. to be progress in Iraq, but just as doubtful about our progress in disapprovesjust as doubtful about our Iraq, but of how the war is being the public prospects. prospects. waged. The number who give the United States grades of C or worse for meeting our objectives The Petraeus effect on public attitudes seems The Petraeus effect on public attitudes seems in Iraq hasnt budged, but the number who give to be mostly a modest reduction in how intensely clearly failing D or F gradeshow the warpoints, to public disapproves of declined six the war. the public disapproves of the conduct of is being 46 percent. number who give the States a States waged. The who give the United United grade The number grades of C or worse for meeting our objectives of C or worse for meeting our objectives in Iraq Those really budged (itsbut withnumber who give hasnt hasnt budged, only down 2 war effort in Iraqwho are satised the the points), but increased slightly, with clearlyB grades or F grade the number who or F grades declined D edging up clearly failing D give a A or failing six points, to four points, points, to 46 percent. declined six to 25 percent. In 2005, that gure 46 percent. stood at 39 percent. Those who are satisfied with thethe war effort Those who are satised with war effort inWhen itslightly, with A or B grades edging up four creased comes towith A fundamentals, however, increased slightly, many or B grades edging up the Foreign Policy Index 2005, that figure stood at points, to 25 to 25 percent. In hardly any change four points, percent. In shows 2005, that gure at all. at 39 percent. it is almost as if the last six 39 percent. stood In these areas, months of debate never happened. For example: When it comes to many fundamentals, however, When it comes to many fundamentals, however, the Foreign Policy Index shows hardly any should Roughly 7 in 10 say the United States change the Foreign Policy Index shows hardly any change at all. In (48 areas, within the as if the last six withdraw thesepercent it is almost next 12 months, at all. In these areas, it is almost as if the last six months of immediately). 19 percent debate never happened. For example: months of debate never happened. For example: Roughly two thirds say the United States should withdraw (48 percent say More than half 10 saywithin the next 12 months, 19 percent immediately). theres not much the Roughly 7 in (51%) the United States should United States percent to create a next 12 months, can do within withdraw (48 say theres notthe democratic Iraq About half the violence there.much the United or to control 19 percent immediately). democratic Iraq (51 perStates can do to create a cent) or to control the violence there (49 percent). More than half (51%) say theres not much the Nearly half (47 percent) consider Iraq mostly a United States can do to create a democratic Iraq civil war. or to control the violence there. Six in 10 do not believe Americas safety from terrorism half (47 on success in Iraq. Iraq mostly Six in 10 do not percent) Americas safety from Nearly depends believe consider a terrorism depends on success in Iraq. civil war. Half (52 (52 percent) say they dontgovern Half percent) say they dont think the think the government not public the truththe safetyabout ment has told the believe Americas truth from Six in 10 do has told the public about the war the war. depends on success in Iraq. in Iraq. terrorism About halfsay there is not say theygovernment say percent) much the dont Nearlyhalf(52 there is not much the governmentthink Half can do to controlhas told the public the truth about the government the violence in Iraq Is controlling the violence in Iraq something the controlling the violencelot, Iraq something Is war. our government can do a in something or
our government can do a lot about? not much about?
ublic attitudes, very little ompared with six months less pessimistic about U.S. st as doubtful about our
Nearly half say there is not much the government can do to control the violence in Iraq 49% Not much
Is controlling the violence in Iraq something Is controlling the violencelot, Iraq something our government can do a in something or our government can do a lot about? 34% Something not much about?
public attitudes seems to ction in how intensely the conduct of the war. The ited States grades of C or objectives in Iraq hasnt gin of error (its down 2 who give clearly failing D points, to 46 percent.
15% 49%
A lot Not much
34% Something or to create a democratic Iraq Is creating a deomcratic Iraq something our democratic 15 something Is creating a democratic Iraq % A lot
government can do lot, something our government canado a lot about? or not much about?
51% Not much or to create a democratic Iraq

Is creating a deomcratic Iraq something Is creating a democratic Iraq % Something our 33 something government can do lot, something our government canado a lot about? or not much about? 12% A lot 51% Not much
with the war effort inr B grades edging up four 2005, that gure stood at
y fundamentals, however, shows hardly any change s almost as if the last six happened. For example: the United States should ithin the next 12 months, ). not much the United a democratic Iraq (51%) ce there (49%). t) consider Iraq mostly a
3% 33%
Dont know Something
In each case, the results are essentially the same as 12% A lot last spring. 3% Dont know Another attitude that hasnt changed is the publics sense that the United States owes something to the In each case, the results are essentially the same as Iraqi people. Nearly 6 in 10 say we have a moral last spring. obligation to the Iraqi people, while only one-third obligation to the Iraqi people, while only one-third say the United States should act in its own interest should act in its interest say the United States hasnt changed isown publics Another attitude that the without regard to how it affects the Iraqis. regard to how it affects the Iraqis. without the United States owes something to the sense that Iraqi people. of obligation say we limits. moral Yet this sense Nearly 6 in 10also has have a When obligation to troops should stay in only one-third asked if U.S. the Iraqi people, whileIraq to control say violence even if should act in American cathe the United Statesit means moreits own interest without regard to how it affects the Iraqis. 9 CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN it means more 2007 sualties or withdraw even ifPOLICY INDEX: FALL Iraqi 10 casualties, 55 percent said the United States should still withdraw.
ve Americas safety from uccess in Iraq. ey dont think the governc the truth about the war
While strong majorities continue to favor nonmilitary solutions, there is some evidence of a small shift away from diplomacy, particularly on Iran
One major trend majorities continue to tone nonmilitary solutions, not surprisa strong preferperhaps While strongwe have seenaisstrong preference favorsurrounding his visit, its do with the fact that One major trend we have seen is in foreign affairs. This may have something to ence for nonmilitary solutions ing that Americans are less optimistic about talking there65 percent say the in foreign affairs. Some the away with him.eld during Iranian president for nonmilitary solutions governmentashould put things over from diplomacy, Some is some evidence of small shift index was in the 65 percent say on diplomatic should put more more emphasis on Iran particularlythe governmentand economic ef- Mahmud Ahmadinejads visit to the United
emphasis on diplomaticsolutions, and evenefforts forts rather than military and economic more rather force in specific solutions, like dealingmore reject than military situations and even with rejectmajor trend we have seen aislikestrong preferforce in specic situations a dealing with Iran and Pakistan. have seen is strong majorities One major trend weYet while substantialpreference (nearly two-thirds) continue foreign affairs. Some Iran and Pakistan. Yetsolutions in foreign affairs. ence for nonmilitary while to prefer majorities for nonmilitary solutions in substantialdiplomatic action or sanctions the government there is (eight 65 percent sayto prefer with Iran,action or Some in 10) continueover forcediplomaticput more 65 percent say the government shouldshould put slight movementon there is a and trend toward towards a and economic efforts more aggressive stance sanctions over force,diplomatic slight economic efmore emphasisdiplomatic emphasis on in the latest edition of the the latest a more aggressive stance solutions, edition forts rather than military inindex. and even of the rather than military solutions, and even more index. reject force in specic situations like dealing with reject force in specic situations like dealing with This is most notable in results on Iran, where Iran and Pakistan. Yet survey substantial majorities Iran and Pakistan. Yet while substantial majorities while people most notableto prefer results on Iran, where appear to bein survey diplomatic action or less confident in diplomacy, if This (8 in isin 10) continue to prefer diplomatic action or (eight 10) continue far from to embrace the use of slight Given sanctionsreadyforce with condent inisdiplomacy, if people appear to be there is a there force. movesanctions over force, lesswith Iran, thetrend toward over to cope Iran, slight number who options on howto embrace the use of force. . Given ment towards a more aggressive stance in theof the far from ready a more aggressive stance in the latest edition latest favor diplomacy to edition of the index. establish better relationswho options to the number fell index. on how35 cope with Iran, the number who nine points, to percent, while favor diplomacy to establish better relations fell favored threatening or using results on Iran, where rose six points. This is most notable in survey forcethe number who nine points, to 35 percent, while This is most notable in survey results on Iran, where people appear to be or using force in diplomacy,six favored threatening less con dent rose a slight if people appear to be less condent in diplomacy, if This may have something the use of the fact that far from ready to embrace to do with force. Given points. far from ready in the field during Iranian president the index howto embrace the use of force. . Given options onwas to cope with Iran, the number who options onAhmadinejads visitbetter relationswho Mahmud how to cope with Iran, the United fell favor diplomacy to establish to the number Nafavor diplomacy percent, while the relations not tions. The to 35 diplomacy better number fell Shift away from negative in Iran nine points, highlyto establishmedia coverage, who nine points, the35is the usingbest way forprovided for to mention to fodder ONE while the number who In your threatening or Ahmadinejad six points. favored view, what percent, force rose the U.S. commentators current situation in Iran? a slight six favored with the and comedians, may have powerto deal threatening or using force rose fully Spring influenced public attitudes. Given the overall points. 2007 Fall 2007
(%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Shift awaytofrom diplomacy in Iran Use diplomacy try to 44%
establish better relations 35% In your view, what is the ONE best way for the U.S. to deal with the current situation in Iran? Seek to impose international 28% Spring 2007 economic sanctions Fall 2007 30% The U.S. doesnt have to do diplomacy to try to Useanything to deal with the current situation in Iran establish better relations
(%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
11% 13%
44% 35%
TAKE military action Seek to impose international against Iran economic sanctions THREATEN military action The U.S. doesnt have to against Iran do anything to deal with Take military action TAKE military action against Iran Threaten military action THREATEN military action against Iran
8% 28% 10% 30% 5% 11 9% % 13% 8% 10%
the current situation in Iran
Note: Asked only of those who say they follow the situation in Iran.
5% 9%
Note: Asked only of those who say they follow the situation in Iran.
Nations. The highly negative media coverage, In addition, those who think that attacking counnot to mention the weapons of mass destruction tries that develop fodder Ahmadinejad provided for may have great dealtofor with may that would do a something do national security This commentators and comedians, the fact have jumped up eight points, during Iranian president powerfully inuenced public attitudes. and those the index was in the eld to 25 percent, Given the eld who thought it would help visit, the perhaps Naoverall tone surrounding visit to to the United Mahmud Ahmadinejads hisvisit security notnot Ahmadinejads our its United at all fell eight points, to negative This coverage, surprising highly negative media coverage, not tions. Thethat Americanspercent. optimistic about Nations. The highly 35 are lessmedia has proven to be a highly fodder him. talkingmentionvolatile question. In the last edition to mention the thewithAhmadinejad provided for not to things over fodder Ahmadinejad provided of the index, and this commentatorsthe number who thought may would for commentators comedians, may have powerand comedians, have do a great those who think that attacking countries deal for attitudes. 19 points. Those In addition,inuencedsecurity fellGiven the overall fully inuenced public public attitudes. Given the powerfully huge swings weapons of opinion is highly unsetthat surrounding his visit, its perhaps not surpristone developsuggest publicmass destruction would overall tone surrounding his visit, its perhaps not tled in this areanot national security susceptible ing a great deal for toless are less optimistic about do that Americans are mention highly jumped up surprisingin theAmericans optimistic about talking to events that news. thingspoints, to 25percent, and those who thought eight things over with talkingover with him. him. it would do nothing at all fell eight points, Still, a drop those who think that attacking same In addition,in support for diplomacy is not thecounto 35 percent. This has that attacking countries be a In addition, those who thinkproven to action.highly thing as develop weapons of mass of Only tries thatan endorsementlast military ofdestruction volatile question. In the mass destruction would edition the index, that develop weapons of all told back force or even 19 percent of Americans would do a great dealthis would do a great for national security the number who for national security jumped up do a great deal thought And theres a similar the threat jumped upof force in Iran. 25 percent, andswings deal points,eight fell 19 points. those who thought for security points, toand Those huge those eight in public attitudes about Pakistan, a to 25percent, pattern who thought it would do nothingunsettled in U.S. suggest publicnothing at highlyfell all fell eight opinion al-Qaeda at this it would reportedly has is has proveneight acamps dopercent. This all ally that training highpoints, to 35 mention highly susceptiblebe points, to to events areanot to country not completely under the to parts of the This the proven to be a index, in 35 percent. ly volatile question. In has last edition of the highly in the news. volatile governments the last edition ofdois divided central question. thought this would the number who In control. The publicthe index, a great on number who thought this Those do a force the what to do there, but points. would huge swings deal for security fell 19 only 1 in 4 supports great Still, drop in support for diplomacy is not the same to remove the opinion points. Those huge in this dealafor security fell even if the unsettled swings suggest public camps 19 is highly Pakistani governthing objects compared toof Only ment as an endorsement diplomatic or economic suggest public opinionhighlymilitary action.events areanot to mention is highly unsettled in this susceptible to 19 percent to mention highly susceptible toor even of AmericansPakistanback force events all told into action. actions intended to spur areanot in the news. the threat of in the news. force in Iran. And theres a similar pattern drop in support for diplomacy is a the Its a in public remember that preventing the Still,important to attitudes about Pakistan,notU.S. ally that reportedly has al-Qaedapublicsthe same spread of nuclear weapons is the training camps Still, athing in support for diplomacy is not first forsame drop as an endorsement of military action. eign as percent of Americans all saying it should in parts of priority, with 75 percent told back Only Only 19 an endorsement of military action. force thingpolicy the country not completely under the be very important. force than public or they central governments control. The 4 inforcesay even or percent of Americans all in Iran. 10 theres a 19 even the threat of More told backAndis divided worry lot there, but attitudes advocates force on whatpattern in publiconly And 4 aboutbecoming similarato do force in Iran. 1 in theres a similar the threat of about unfriendly countries Pakistan, nuclear powersyet toU.S. allythe camps.a majority al-Qaeda training a remove that reportedly has (62 percent) think pattern in public attitudes about Pakistan, a U.S. its unrealistic of the country not completely uncamps in partsto expect that the government can ally that reportedly has al-Qaeda training camps stop this. Other factors may also be at completely numberthe der the of the country not control. The public is in partscentral governments work. The under of Americans what to do there, but public is 4 supdivided on who say they worry at least 1 in divided central governments control. Theonly somewhat Other factors may be at work. if number ports force do there, also has increasedThethepoints about a to to remove the camps 4 seven force on what terrorist attack they worry advocates Pakibut only 1 in evenleast someof sixgovernment objects compared to diplomatic Americans who say have also been very small at stani months. There in to remove theacamps. attack has increased seven what about 20actions 40 who say its a justied terroristintended60to spur80 or economicthe number Pakistan 0 100 decreases in points in six also into action. months. There have is toobeen very criticism that may also be at work. The number of the United States quick to Otherdecreases in the number who say its a justismall factors resort to war and that worry at States should use Americans who saythethe United least somewhat fied criticism to they United States is too quick to Its important that remember that preventing the force a terrorist attack has increased seven points aboutonly with the support of its allies. resort toof nuclear weapons is the publics rst war or that its very or somewhat imspread in six months. There have also been very small portant that the United States use force saying it foreign policy priority, with 74 percent only with decreases inof itsnumber who Fourits a justied the support the allies. should be very important. say in 10 say they criticism that the United Statescountries getting worry a lot about unfriendly is too quick to resort to war and that the United States should use 10 CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: percent) nucelar weaponsyet a majority (62 FALL 2007 11 force only with the support of that the government think its unrealistic to expect its allies. can stop this.
The public has become even more frustrated with the governments efforts on immigration and may be moving closer to a tipping point
The past two years have dashed hopes on both sides of the immigration debate, with the collapse of aabipartisan reform planplan in just thejust the bipartisan reform in May May latest in a series of series of failed to address the problem. latest in a failed attempts attempts to address the The deadlock has taken hastoll on its toll on public problem. The deadlock its taken public attitudes, with a sharp jump in those who givewho give the attitudes, with a sharp jump in those the government flatly failing grades.grades. government atly failing Since Public Agenda began this survey, the publics Since Public Agenda began this survey, the publics never been happy with government policy on never been happy with government policy on illegal immigration, but over time attitudes have illegal immigration, but over time attitudes have grown considerably worse. More than 8 in 10 grown considerably worse. More than 8 in 10 (83 percent) give the government a grade of C or (83 percent) give the government grades of C or worse, an increase of nine points since 2005. But worse, an increase of the intensitysince 2005. But even more striking is nine points of the publics even towardstriking is the intensity of scale.publics shift more the pessimistic end of the the Nearly shift toward the pessimistic end of the scale. Nearly 6 in 10 now give the government a D or F grade, Six in 10 number who give an outright FF grades, with the now give the government D or jumping with the number who give an outright F jumping eight points in six months. eight points in six months. Whats more, the public believes illegal immigraWhats more, the public believes illegal immigration tion is a critical problem that the government is a critical problem that the government ought to ought to be able to solve. be able to solve. There are some problems, like protecting U.S. jobs, where the public gives protecting U.S. terThere are some problems, likethe governmentjobs, rible the public gives the government terrible wheregrades but also doubts whether anything can be but also doubts whether its unrealistic be grades done (three-quarters say anything can to expect(three-quarters keepits unrealistic tolabor is done companies to say jobs here when expect cheaper abroad). In other areas, the government companies to keep jobs here when labor is cheaper gets poorIn other but the sense of urgency isnt as abroad). grades, areas, the government gets poor high (only 31 percent worry a lot about as high grades, but the sense of urgency isnt foreign debt for example).worry a lot about foreign debt, (only 31 percent for example). Immigration is different. Half the the public, peris different. Half public, 52 52 cent, think that tighter controls on immigration percent, think that controlling immigration would would enhance securitygreatgreat deal, seeing this enhance security a a deal, seeing this as as an effective security strategy.Another 45 percent an effective security strategy. Another 45 percent say they worry a lot that its too easy for illegal say they worry a lot that its too easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country. Thats among the immigrants to enter the country. Thats among highest-rated strategiesand the greatestgreatest the highest-rated strategiesand the public concernin our survey. And 46 And 46 percent public concernin our survey. percent say the government can do a lotdo a lot about illegal say the government can to slow illegal immigration. This is also an area where there is little or no immigration. This is also an area where there is political polarization. Only 16 percent of Republilittle or no political polarization. Only 17 percent cans and 15 percent of Democrats give the governof both Democrats and Republicans give the ment high grades for protecting our borders from government high grades for protecting our borders illegal immigration. from illegal immigration. Illegal immigration already has the elements Illegal immigration already has point elements that might constitute a tipping the in pubthat might constitute a tipping point in public lic attitudesa substantial majority are strongly attitudesa substantial majority are the govconcerned about a problem and believe strongly concerned aboutpower to address it. believe the ernment has the a problem and Continuing government has the power to address it.pressure on public frustration implies continuing Continuing public frustration implies with this problem as the the political system to deal continuing pressure on the political system toits concerns beproblem as the public demands that deal with this met. public demands that its concerns be met.
12 11
The public continues to be sharply divided on ideological lines in foreign policy, but there has been a signicant RepublicanRepublican decline in decline in confidence for fostering democracy condence in fostering democracy
As in previous editions of the index, there are significant differences between self-described signicant differences between Republicans and Democrats many issues, including some basic Republicansonand Democrats on many issues, points. For example, half of Republicans (49 perincluding some basic points. For example, half cent) say foreign(49 percent) say foreign policydiof Republicans policy is heading in the right is rection, compared with only 14 percent of Demoheading in the right direction, compared with only crats. The of Democrats. The differences are also 14 percent differences are also striking in several specific areas: striking in several specic areas: Some 45 percent of of Republicans give B grades Some 45 percent Republicans give A or an A or B grade for meeting our in Iraq, compared with for meeting our objectives objectives in Iraq, compared with only 15 percent of Democrats who only 16 percent of Democrats who say the same. say the same. Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) Three-quarters of Democrats worry a lot that of Democrats worry a lot that the war in Iraq the war in Iraq is leading to too many casualties, is leading to too many casualties, compared with compared with 38 percent of Republicans. 38 percent of Republicans. Showing more respect for the views and needs of other countries would strengthen U.S.and needs Showing more respect for the views security a ofgreat deal, according to strengthen of Democrats, other countries would 53 percent U.S. security a great deal, according toof RepublicansDemocrats, while only 23 percent 53 percent of agree. while only 23 percent of Republicans agree. Eight in 10 Democrats think there should be more emphasis on diplomatic and economic methods as opposed to militarythere shouldjust Eight in 10 Democrats think action, but be more emphasis (41 percent) Republicans share over 4 in 10 on diplomatic and economic methods as opposed to military action, but only 4 this view. in 10 Republicans share this view. But there is some common ground. More than two-thirds of both Republicans and Democrats worry about the growing strength of China. And nearly 9 in 10 of both parties (87 percent) say they worry that terrorists may use weapons of mass destruction to attack the United States. But there is have also seen a significant loss of Republicans some common ground. More than confidence in both Republicans idea of exporttwo-thirds of one specific area: theand Democrats ing democracy. growing strength of China. And worry about theOverall, three-quarters of Americans say in 10 of both parties (87 percent) say they nearly 9 that democracy is something other countries can only come tomaytheir own. Since 2005, worry that terrorists on use weapons of mass there has been attack the United States. destruction to a 24-point drop in Republicans who believe the United States can help other countries become democracies andseen15-point drop since Republicans have also a a signicant loss January 2006 inin one specic area: the that creof condence Republicans who believe idea of ating a democratic Iraq is something our governexporting democracy. Overall, three-quarters ment can do asay that democracy is something of Americans lot about. other countries can only come to on their own. Since 2005, there has been a 23-point drop in Republicans who believe the United States can help other countries become democracies and a 14-point drop in Republicans who believe that creating a democratic Iraq is something our government can do a lot about.
13 12
Women are more worried about Americas position in the world and more fatalistic, while men are more critical about U.S. policy Women are more worried about Americas position in the world and more fatalistic, while men are more critical about U.S. policy Women are more likely to be worried about Iraq
and other security issues, including potential terrorist attacks (forlikely to be worried about Iraq example, 53 percent of women Women are more likely to be worried about secusay they worry a lotpotential terrorist attack using rity other security issues, terrorist potential and issues, including about a includingattacks (for weapons 53 percent of women say they women example, of mass destruction, percent of with a terrorist attacks (for example, 53comparedworry 44 percent of men). Yet theyre also less of mass lot about a terrorist attack a terrorist attack using say they worry a lot aboutusing weaponslikely to believe the mass destruction, percent with 44 destruction,governmentwith docomparedof men). weapons of compared can 44 a lot about the problems facing the likely to also percent to Yet theyre also less country. Only 42the likely of percent of men). Yet theyrebelieveless governwomen say government can do a lot about the ment can do agovernment can do a lot to make believe the the lot about the problems facing the the United States percent of Only 42 percent of country. Only 42the country. women say the govproblems facing less dependent on foreign energy, compared the 58 lot to make the United make ernment can do apercent of men. And 48to States women saywith government can do a lot percent of dependent on United States foreign energy, lesswomen States less dependent oncomparedlot to the United say the foreign energy, can do a with create a democratic Iraq, far lower than wom58 percentwith 58 percent of men. And 48 percent compared of men. And only 33 percent ofthe 77 en thinkof men who say so. do a lot to reduce percent the government can of women say the United States can do a lot to global warming, compared to 42 percent of men. create a democratic Iraq, far lower than the 77 Men, however, are more percent of men who say so. likely to believe that Men, however,U.S. more likely to believe that criticriticisms of are policy are justiedperhaps cisms of because theyare justifiedperhaps preprecisely U.S. policy have likely to believe that more condence Men, because they have more confidence thatthat cisely however, are more effective. Nearly threethe the Unitedof U.S. can be are justiedperhaps States policy criticisms United States can be effective. Nearlyleast a partly three-quarquarters because they have more at precisely of men (73 percent) say itscondence that ters of men (73 percent) say its at leasthaspartly justied criticism to say the United States a allied the United States can the effective. Nearly threejustified criticism tothat be United States has allied with governments say exploit their own people. quarters of men (73that exploit their own a partly percent) say its with governments women say that.at least people. Only 61 criticismof say the United States has allied percent to Two-thirds of justied Only 61 percent of women say that. Nearly twomen say its a justied criticism their own people. to say the United with of men say that exploit thirdsgovernmentsits a justified criticism to say the States resorts to torture in the Only 61 percent of women say war on terrorism, United States resorts to torturethat. Two-thirds of in the war on tercompared with 47 percent of women. United men say its a justied 47 percent say theAnd 69 rorism, compared with criticism toof women. And percent of men say States resorts men its at least partly justied to say 70 percent of to tortureits at least partly justified say in the war on terrorism, the United States is concerned women. with its to say the with States is concerned only its 69 compared United47 percent of only with Andown interests and and disregards partly justied other own interests disregards other countries, compared percent of men say its at leastthe interests of to say with 58 percent of women. countries, compared with 58 percent with its own the United States is concerned only of women. interests and disregards other countries, compared with 58 percent of women.
Women less likely to think the government can do a lot about these issues Is the following likely to think the government Women lessless likelythe government can do are something to think the a lot about? can do a lot about these issues these issues governmentFemale do a lot about can Male
Is the following something the 20 30 40 50 60can do government 70 80 (%) 0 10 a lot about? Decreasing our dependence 58% Male on other countries Female for our 42% supply of energy
(%) 0 90 100
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Decreasing our dependence Slowing countries for our on other illegal immigration to the of energy supplyU.S. Slowing illegal immigration Preventing jobs from to the overseas going U.S. Preventing jobs from Reducing our debts going overseas to other countries Reducing our debts Reducing global warming to other countries Preventing another major Reducing global warming terrorist attack against the U.S. Preventing another major Establishing good relations terrorist attack against with moderate Muslims the U.S. Establishing good relations Preventing the spread of with moderate Muslims weapons of mass destruction Preventing the spread of Controlling the violence weapons of mass destruction in Iraq Controlling democratic Creating a the violence in Iraq Iraq Creating a democratic Iraq
58 49% % 42% 43% 49 45%% 43% % 45 42%% 43 35% % 42% 35% 33% 42 39%% 33% 34% 3339% % 34 26% % 33% 26 21% % 18% 33% 21 13% % 18% 16% 13 9% % 16% 9%
0 0
CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007 CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007
14 14 13
17 FOREIGN POLICY ANXIETY INDICATOR 7 27 FALL 2007 136 FOREIGN POLICY ANXIETYThinkingyou think the rest ofrelations with the INDICATOR How do about recent U.S. the world sees
150
%
ANXIETY INDICATOR
200
track?
65%
30%
(-1)
FOREIGN POLICY ANXIETY INDICATOR FOREIGN POLICY 100 ANXIETY INDICATOR 200
136
150 200
Significant majority anxious Overwhelming majority anxious
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very positively Right positively negatively negatively Wrong restU.S.? world, would you say things are heading the of the direction 34% track
NEITHER ANXIOUS NOR CONFIDENT
FOREIGN POLICY ANXIETY INDICATOR FOREIGN POLICY ANXIETY INDICATOR

(-1)
FALL 2007
Overwhelming Significant majority anxious majority confident Significant majority anxious Overwhelming majority anxious
in the right direction, rest of theyworld sees 30% Thinking about recentor are the off with the How do you think the U.S. relations on the wrong track? theaworld, would you say things% these restU.S.? job is17% United States 65 are heading How of the the good 34% doing in thein creating a more peaceful off on the 30% wrong days right direction, or are they and prosperous 7% track? world? 65% 27% 28% 17% 42% Very Somewhat Somewhat Very 32% 7% positively 28%positively negatively negatively 27% 20% Right Wrong
35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
Overwhelming majority confident Significant majority anxious (-1) Significant majority confident Significant SOURCE: PUBLIC AGENDA majority anxious 0 200 NEITHER ANXIOUS 200 100 Overwhelming NOR CONFIDENT majority anxious NEITHER to provide a The Anxiety Indicator100 designed ANXIOUS is NOR CONFIDENT Overwhelming Overwhelming measure of Americans comfort level with the majority anxious majority anxious nations foreign policy, much Significant the same Overwhelming way the majority confident Consumer Condence Index measures the publics 150
(-1)
FOREIGN POLICY FALL 2007 150 ANXIETY 136POLICY INDICATOR FOREIGN FALL 2007 200 ANXIETY 136 INDICATOR
150 100
NEITHER ANXIOUS NOR CONFIDENT
satisfaction with the economy. Our indicator scale Significant FALL 2007 majority confident is divided into zones, with 100 serving as a neutral 150 SOURCE: PUBLIC AGENDA (-1) 150 midpoint. We dont anticipate Significant the indicator ever 0 majority anxious being FALL 2007 the 0 or the 200 level, but a score at either -1) ) of 50((-1or below would indicate a period of calm, Significant Significant Overwhelming The Anxiety complacency. designed anxious perhaps even Indicator is Above theto provide of majority redline a majority anxious majority confident NEITHER ANXIOUS measure of anxiety shading into level fear the with 100 150 would beAmericans comfort CONFIDENT and a NOR real nations foreign policy, much Overwhelming way the withdrawal of public condencethe U.S. policy. in same majority confident NEITHER ANXIOUS Consumer Condence Index measures the publics SOURCE: PUBLIC AGENDA NEITHER ANXIOUS 100 100 NOR CONFIDENT NOR CONFIDENT 0 satisfaction with the economy. Our indicator scale is divided into zones, with 100 serving as a neutral SOURCE: PUBLIC AGENDA Significant midpoint. We dont anticipate majorityindicator ever the confident 0 The Anxiety Indicator is designed tobut a score being at either the 0 or the 200 level, provide a Significant measure of Americans comfort period with the of 50 or below would indicateSignificant of calm, a level majority confident nations even complacency. designedsameprovide of foreign policy, much majority confident the theto way the The Anxiety Indicator is Above perhaps redline a Consumer Condence shading into level fear and a Index measures with the measure ofbeAmericans comfort realthe publics 150 would anxiety satisfaction with the economy. OurU.S. policy.scale nations foreign policy, much the same way the withdrawal of public condence in indicator is divided into zones, with 100 serving as a publics Confidence Consumer Condence Index measures the neutral Overwhelming midpoint. We dont economy. Our indicator scale the satisfaction with the anticipate majority confident ever being at either zones, with 100 serving as a a score is divided into the 0 or the 200 level, but neutral Overwhelming of 50 or belowdont anticipate Overwhelming AGENDA a period midpoint. We would indicateSOURCE: PUBLIC of calm, the confident majority confident majorityindicator ever perhaps even complacency. Above the redline of being at either the 0 or 0 200 level, but a score the 15050 or below wouldshading intoperiod of and a of would be anxiety indicate a real fear calm, SOURCE: PUBLIC AGENDA SOURCE: PUBLIC AGENDA withdrawal of complacency. Above the redline of perhaps even public condence in U.S. policy. 0 0 designed to provide a The would be Indicator is 150 Anxiety anxiety shading into real fear and a measure ofof Americans dence in U.S. policy. the confidence withdrawal public con comfort level with nations foreign policy, much the sameprovide a The Anxiety Indicator is designed to way the Consumer Condence Index measures the publics measure of Americans comfort level with the satisfaction with the economy. Our indicator scale nations foreign policy, much the same way the is divided into zones, with 100 serving as a neutral Consumer Condence Index measures the publics midpoint. We dont anticipate the indicator ever satisfaction with the economy. Our indicator scale being at either the 0 or the 200 level, but a score is divided into zones, with 100 serving as a neutral of 50 or We would indicate a period of ever midpoint. belowdont anticipate the indicatorcalm, perhaps even complacency. Above the redline of being at either the 0 or the 200 level, but a score 150 would be anxiety shading into real fear and a
136 136
Very direction Somewhat Somewhat 5% Thinking about recent U.S. relations track theVery with negatively positively positively negatively Right would you Wrong rest of the world, the rest of say things seesheading How excellentdirection job the world are poor job An do you thinkgood A A fair job A in thejob about recentor are they offtrackthe wrong right on Thinking direction, U.S. relations with the the U.S.? 34% track? the world, would you say things% heading rest of you think the rest of the world sees 30% 65 are How do a job is the United States doing these good Is the right direction, or are they offUnited States are going for the in the way things more peaceful andon the wrong the U.S.? days in creating a17% prosperous 34% worry in world affairs something that you65% about? track? 27% world?% you think the rest of the world sees 30% How do 7 42% 51% 17% the U.S.? 32% % 34% 27% 34% 30% Very Somewhat Somewhat Very % Right 20% Wrong 7% positively direction positively negativelytrack 14% negatively 17% 5% % Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Right Worry a lot is the United States Wrong these Worry Dont worry % How excellentdirection jobUS relations with negatively good 7% positively a job A good positively negativelytrack A poor Thinking about currentsomewhat fair jobdoingthe job An A days in creating more peaceful and prosperous job rest of the world,awould you say that the world Very Somewhat Thinking about SomewhatUS dangerous for the U.S. Very Somewhat world? about currentU.S. relations with theVery How good a safer themore relations with these is or States is becoming job recentUnited SomewhatdoingtheVery Thinking 42% positively positively negatively positively things are going negatively are States positively negatively Is the the world,awould you say the United heading way for rest of creating people? negatively the world daysof American more peaceful and in and thethe world, would you say thingsprosperous rest that 32% 45% in world affairs something that you worry about? the off world?right direction,more relations with the U.S. is becoming safer20% or are they% on the wrong or Thinking about recent U.S. dangerous for the 42 track? American people? % 34% 65% and of rest thethe world, would 51 say things are heading you 32% 5% % 45% 34 in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong 20% 34 job An excellent 27% good job A 12% A fair% 65% 14% job A poor track? % 5% 5% job Worry a worry excellent lot % 12% Worry Somewhat Dont poor job A A Somewhat 27% IsAn Much things are somewhat fair jobWrong A States the way Right good job going for the United Much 5% job safer directionsafer more track more in world affairs something that you worry about? dangerous dangerous Much SomewhatUS relations Thinking about currentgoing Somewhatwith the Is the way thingsthe United for theWrong these are United Much Right safer 51% States Wrong States How safer aworld, good job is more doing more Right rest of theadirection the United say youdoing these the How good%direction would you that thattrack world job States worry about? in worldcreatingissomething dangeroustrack dangerous affairs a days in34 safer more peaceful and prosperous is becoming or more dangerous for the U.S. days in creating a more peaceful and prosperous 14% 51 world? Question American people? % and good a jobmay be slightly edited % 42 for world? wording not equalUnited States space and clarity. How the34%may is the 100 percent% doing these Percentages 42 due to rounding% 45 32% or the Worry a lotof some answer categories. omission days in creating a more Worry peaceful and prosperous Dont worry 32% 14% 34% 20% somewhat 42% world? 20% % % Worry a lot Worry Dont worry 5% about current US relations with the32% Thinking 5% 12% somewhat 20% you say that the world 5 the rest excellentworld,good%job would An of% fair job A FALL 15 CONFIDENCE INAU.S. FOREIGNAPOLICY INDEX:poor job2007 14 An excellent A good job A fair job A poor job job 5% about current US dangerous for the is becoming safer or more relations with the U.S. Thinking % job Much Somewhat Somewhat Much and thethe world, safer you say that the world people? saferAmerican would more more rest excellent of A good A fair job A States IsAn way things are going for the United poor job the for the A good job A fair job A poor job 45% IsAn excellent things are going dangerousUnited States the way safer or job dangerous for dangerous is becoming more the U.S. job job affairs something that you worry about? in world affairs something that % worry about? 34 in worldwording may people? editedyouspace and clarity. and the Question American be slightly for 45 Percentages may not equal going for the United States 51percent due to rounding% % Is the way things are 100 % 51categories. or the omission of some answer 34% 34% in world affairs something that you worry about? 12% 34% 5% 14% 14% 51% % 12% Much % Somewhat Somewhat Much 34% Worry Worry Dont worry 5% safer a lot safer Worry more Worry a lot Dont worry 14more 2007 14 15 CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: % FALL somewhat % dangerous dangerous somewhat
Question wording may be slightlyrelationsspace and clarity. safer a lot safer Worry more more Worry Worry Dont worry Thinking about current US edited for with the Worry a lot Dont worry Percentages may not equal somewhat 100 percent dangerous dangerous somewhat due to rounding rest of the world, would you say that the world or the omission of some answer categories. Question wording may be more dangerous forand U.S. edited for is becoming safer or slightlyrelations space the clarity. Thinking aboutnot equal 100 percent duewith the Percentages may current US to rounding and thethe world, would you say that the world American people? categories. or the omission of some answer rest of 45%
Summ
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 50 40 30 20 10 0 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 50 40 30
Much
Somewhat
Somewhat
Much
is becoming safer or more dangerous for the U.S. 15 20 CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN 34% and the American people? POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007 14 45% % 12 FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007 14 10 % 15 CONFIDENCE IN U.S.% 34% 5%
Much safer % 5% Somewhat % 12% safer Somewhat more dangerous Much more dangerous
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.
16 15
Fall 2007: Grades at a glance

What grade would you give the United States when it comes to achieving the following goals?
A (%)
B (%)
A+B change since A+B 2005 (%) (%)
C (%)
D (%)
F (%)
C+D +F (%)
D+F change since D+F 2005 (%) (%)
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 Stopping countries or groups from getting nuclear weapons Conducting effective U.S. intelligence operations Hunting down anti-American terrorists Helping improve the lives of people living in poor countries Living up to our ideals of human rights and justice in the way we conduct our foreign policy Doing our best to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians Helping to create democracy in the rest of the world Protecting people or nations that are threatened with genocide or ethnic cleansing Having good working relations with other countries Working with other countries to reduce global warming Succeeding in meeting our objectives in Afghanistan Avoiding trade agreements that harm the United States Reaching out to moderate Muslims overseas Stopping illegal drugs from coming into the country Succeeding in meeting our objectives in Iraq Having good relations and reputation with Muslim countries Protecting our borders from illegal immigration Becoming less dependent on other countries for our supply of energy Protecting American jobs from moving overseas Limiting the amount of money we owe other countries
38 27 22 18 13 12 12 12 12 11 10 9 9 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 4 4 4
31 31 26 22 24 29 27 24 21 24 18 35 18 21 16 14 13 20 15 10 15 13 10
69 68 58 59 48 47 40 37 38 41 39 36 33 34 35 28 44 27 28 23 21 20 19 25 20 15 19 17 14
-14 -15 -9 -8 -10 -11 0 -13 -3 -8 -12 -16 -15 -8 -1 -12 -3 -4 -14 -8 -10 -1
18 24 27 24 28 24 29 32 27 35 27 35 26 26 31 28 20 25 33 24 25 20 28
6 10 11 17 12 13 15 13 29 17 14 19 11 15 19 16 17 22 21 21 22 27 22 18
5 5 9 11 8 16 13 13 15 14 11 14 7 18 18 13 11 34 25 18 37 25 37 23
29 39 47 52 48 53 57 58 57 58 59 60 60 53 59 63 61 60 56 75 76 70 71 72 83 82 77 79 69
11 15 20 19 28 20 29 29 28 26 30 31 25 33 18 33 37 36 30 29 28 55 56 46 39 59 52 59 41 42
7 5 -10 5 4 5 12 4 3 4 12 13 8 7 -2 14 13 5 6 13 7 14 7
35 16
Fall 2007: Worries at a glance

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?
Worry a lot change since 2005 (%) Do not worry change since 2005 (%)
Worry a lot (%)
Worry somewhat (%)
Do not worry
The war in Iraq is leading to too many casualties Rise in the cost of gas and fuel Protecting American jobs from moving overseas Terrorist groups may use biological, chemical or nuclear weapons to attack the United States 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 It may be too easy for illegal immigrants to come into the country The possibility of unfriendly nations becoming nuclear powers There may be growing hatred of the United States in Muslim countries Global warming There may be another major terrorist attack against the United States in the near future Problems abroad may hurt our supply of oil and raise prices for American consumers The rise of Islamic extremism around the world That our actions in the Mideast are aiding the recruitment of terrorists The way things are going for the United States in world affairs The United States may be losing the trust and friendship of people in other countries The United States may owe too much money to other countries The growing power of China may be a threat to the United States
60 54 50 49
4 1
27 32 34 38
13 13 16 13
-5 0
46 45 42 41 41 40 40 40 39 34 34 31 30
3 3 1 3 -2 -6 -1 1
34 32 43 38 33 46 45 41 38 51 43 38 40
19 23 15 21 26 14 15 17 21 14 22 30 28
-4 -4 -4 -7 -4 -3 -6 -5
36 17
Fall 2007: Strategies at a glance Goals at a glance

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?
Very important Somewhat important Very + somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Not very + not at all important
Cooperating with other countries on problems like the environment or control of diseases Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons Helping other countries when they are struck by natural disasters Assisting countries in developing clean water supplies Improving the treatment of women in other countries Cooperating with other countries on reducing global warming Helping people in poor countries to get an education Initiating military force only when we have the support of our allies Taking into account the views and interests of other countries Doing what we think is best for our own interests even if other nations oppose us Helping poor countries move out of poverty Doing what we think is best for our own interests even if our allies oppose us Minding our own business and getting less involved with global issues Actively creating democracies in other countries
75 75 70 64 60 56 53 53 47 46 45 43 36 16
21 19 24 30 30 28 35 28 43 37 41 43 38 51
96 95 94 94 94 90 84 88 87 80 81 90 82 83 86 86 74 68 67
2 2 4 4 6 7 9 8 6 10 8 6 13 19
2 3 2 2 3 6 4 9 4 7 4 7 11 10
4 4 5 6 6 9 13 13 12 17 9 10 16 17 13 12 13 12 24 29
37 18
Full Survey Results if each of the following would enhance our security a great deal, somewhat or not at all: Please tell me
Somewhat Not at all This fth edition of the study was based on telephone interviews conducted between September 17 and September 27, Improving the effectiveness of our intelligence operations 56 -9 39 4 2007 among a nationally representative sample of 1,011 adults, 18 years and older. It covered over 25 different issues Becoming less dependent on other countries for our supplyfor this study is 3%. in more than 110 different survey questions. The margin of error A great deal A great deal change since 2005 Not at all change since 2005
Fall 2007: Strategies at a glance
0 1 4
of energy
53
-6
38
Tighter controls on immigration to the U.S. Showing more respect for the views and needs of other countries
52 38
36 44
11 16
-11
What do you think is the most important problem facing the United States and universities to study in its dealings with the rest of the world?
Middle East Maintaining our military edge by exploring new technologies or Administration/politics placing weapons in space Domestic problems Foreign policiesCloser cooperation with the European Union World peace Creating policies that support equal rights and better educational Trade decit opportunities for women in Muslim countries Other Giving govt more power to investigate, even if we have to give up None some of our privacy in order to do it Dont know
Attacking countries that develop weapons of mass destruction Closer cooperation with the UN
Tighter control over foreign students who come to our colleges
Sept 36 2007 (%)
39 17 34 16 28 11 3 27 * 3 2 25 7
25 23 19 24 7 17 64 34 30 10 2
34
March 2007-5 (%)
40 17-6 11 8 3 -14 1 8 1 11
6
Sept 200642 (%)
42 16 44 12 7 50 6 2 44 5 1 38 8
35 48
45
Jan 2006 20 (%)
36 16 17 10 8 17 3 3 28 13 1 35 9
35 27
18
June 2005 3 (%)
-6 8
1
-8
How do you think the rest of the world sees thedams, and hospitals in Building large projects such as roads, United States? developing countries Would you say they see the United States positively or negatively?
Positively (net) Doing more to help Muslim countries develop economically Very positively Somewhat positively Negatively (net) Somewhat negatively Very negatively Neutral or mixed Dont know
22-8 7 15 68 34 34 8 2
24 52 9 15 64 32 32 8 3
25 25 62 10 3
-1
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 22 4 5 1 67 24 5 3 1 65 22 5 6 2
What one word or phrase best describes how you think the rest of the world sees the United States? Negative (net)
Bully Arrogant/cocky Bad/negatively (general) Dominating/controlling Spoiled/overindulgent Weak/vulnerable Aggressive/hostile Interfering/meddlesome Skeptical/corrupt Threat/afraid 62 9 7 6 6 5 4 3 3 3 2
17 19
Full survey results Full Survey Results

This fth edition of the study was based on telephone interviews conducted between September 17 17 and September 27, fifth edition of the study was based on telephone interviews conducted between September and September 27, 2007, among nationally representative sample 1,011 adults, 18 years and older. It It covered over 25 different issues in 2007 among aanationally representative sample of of 1,011 adults 18 years and older. covered over 25 different issues more than 110 different survey questions. The margin of error for this study 3%. in more than 110 different survey questions. Themargin of error for this study is plus or minus three.
What do you think is the most important problem facing the United States in its dealings with the rest of the world?
Middle East Administration/politics Domestic problems Foreign policies World peace Trade decit Other None Dont know
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
39 17 16 11 3 * 3 2 7
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 24 7 17 64 34 30 10 2 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 22 4 5 1 67 24 5 3 1 65 22 5 6 2
What one word or phrase best describes how you think the rest of the world sees the United States? Negative (net)
Bully Arrogant/cocky Bad/negatively (general) Dominating/controlling Spoiled/overindulgent Weak/vulnerable Aggressive/hostile Interfering/meddlesome Skeptical/corrupt Threat/afraid 62 9 7 6 6 5 4 3 3 3 2
17 20
(continued) What one word or phrase best describes how you think the rest
of the world sees the United States?

Ignorant/uninformed Evil/enemy Self-centered/selsh Conicted/confused Egotistical Struggling/declining Disrespectfully/a joke Imperialistic Hypocritical Other negative Positive (net) Powerful/superpower Positively (general) Rich/prosperous Envious/jealous (World) leader Helpful/dependable Opportunistic/successful Liberal/free Protector/policing (Leader in) democracy Committed/enduring Other positive Neutral (net) None/nothing/dont care/cant think of any Other neutral Other Dont know
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 * 3 26 6 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 8 6 2 * 4
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 28 65 7 26 67 6 35 58 7 37 59 4
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 28 65 7 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 5 12 34 45 3 4 9 34 48 4 6 13 36 43 2
18 21
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
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
5 20 42 32 1
6 20 39 34 1
10 21 39 30 1
9A
Do you think U.S. troops should stay in Iraq to control the violence even though it may mean more U.S. casualties, or do you think we should withdraw even if that means more violence and more Iraqi casualties?
U.S. troops should stay in Iraq We should withdraw Dont know 38 55 6
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 38 31 18 6 5 3 27 31 24 10 5 2 22 26 27 11 9 6 12 29 24 13 16 6 11 24 35 14 11 6 42 35 15 4 3 1 29 30 20 10 7 3 24 26 25 10 9 5 16 26 25 15 12 6 11 25 34 13 9 8 47 32 12 4 4 1 30 32 20 8 7 2 25 31 24 8 6 5 19 28 25 13 11 4 15 25 30 13 10 6 49 31 12 4 3 1 32 33 20 8 4 2 26 32 20 9 9 4 18 28 27 10 12 6 16 30 28 12 7 6 54 29 11 2 2 1 30 37 19 5 5 2 23 35 23 9 6 3 19 35 25 10 7 4 19 31 30 10 7 4
19 22
Making sure we have a strong, well-supplied military

A B C D F Dont know
Giving the war on terror all the attention it deserves

A B C D F Dont know
Hunting down anti-American terrorists

A B C D F Dont know
Helping to create democracy in the rest of the world

A B C D F Dont know
10
(continued) What grade would you give the United States when it comes
to achieving the following goals? Doing our best to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians
A B C D F Dont know
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
12 21 27 17 14 10 12 27 29 15 13 3
14 22 27 14 14 8 15 27 29 13 10 5
13 25 34 10 12 6 13 25 32 12 12 5
15 29 24 12 9 10 14 31 28 11 11 6
16 29 30 11 7 7 15 27 28 16 9 4
Helping improve the lives of people living in poor countries

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 12 24 32 13 13 6 18 22 24 17 11 8 5 20 25 21 25 4 7 21 26 19 18 10 11 27 29 12 13 8 15 23 25 17 13 8 7 14 21 20 32 5 7 19 27 17 22 8 13 27 29 13 11 6 13 23 25 18 13 7 7 24 24 17 22 5 8 22 28 17 16 9 14 31 27 11 10 7 14 27 27 14 10 7 11 22 23 15 23 6 11 21 28 14 15 11 15 29 29 12 10 5 13 27 29 15 8 7 13 26 24 17 16 4 13 27 28 14 9 10
Stopping countries or groups from getting nuclear weapons

A B C D F Dont know
Succeeding in meeting our objectives in Iraq

A B C D F Dont know
Succeeding in meeting our objectives in Afghanistan

A B C D F Dont know
20 23
10
to achieving the following goals? Protecting people or nations that are threatened with genocide or ethnic cleansing
A B C D F Dont know
Sept 2007 (%) March 2007 (%) Sept 2006 (%) Jan 2006 (%) June 2005 (%)
10 18 27 19 14 12 13 24 28 12 8 14 9 35 35 11 7 3 9 18 26 15 18 14 7 16 31 16 13 16 6 13 20 22 34 5 5 15 33 21 18 8
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 5 15 28 23 22 7
11 23 27 15 12 12 12 29 31 9 7 11 10 35 29 14 8 4 6 11 24 19 33 7 5 14 32 17 22 9
13 24 25 15 11 11 11 26 28 11 10 13 10 32 37 10 6 4 7 13 22 20 31 6 6 19 28 19 17 9
12 24 28 16 10 10 11 34 32 14 6 4 7 16 24 24 26 3 7 21 32 19 13 7
Conducting effective U.S. intelligence operations

A B C D F Dont know
Having good working relations with other countries

A B C D F Dont know
Working with other countries to reduce global warming

A B C D F Dont know
Avoiding trade agreements that harm the United States

A B C D F Dont know
Stopping illegal drugs from coming into the country

A B C D F Dont know
Having good relations and reputation with Muslim countries

A B C D F Dont know
21 24
10
to achieving the following goals? Protecting our borders from illegal immigration
A B C D F Dont know
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
5 10 24 22 37 2 4 13 20 22 37 4 4 10 28 18 23 16
8 13 25 22 29 4 6 12 20 22 35 5 5 11 22 17 27 18
6 12 27 23 28 4 7 11 25 21 30 6 7 13 26 15 21 19
6 13 27 20 30 4 4 11 24 22 35 4 6 14 25 16 17 21
7 18 29 21 24 7 4 14 26 21 31 5
Protecting American jobs from moving overseas

A B C D F Dont know
Limiting the amount of money we owe other countries

A B C D F Dont know
Becoming less dependent on other countries for our supply of energy

A B C D F Dont know 4 15 25 27 25 3 7 14 28 17 11 22 6 15 28 23 25 3 8 15 25 26 22 4 9 11 30 23 23 5
Reaching out to moderate Muslims overseas

A B C D F Dont know
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 war in Iraq is leading to too many casualties
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 60 27 13 * 64 23 12 * 55 29 15 1 56 26 17 * 56 26 18 *
Terrorist groups may use biological, chemical or nuclear weapons to attack the United States
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 49 38 13 * 45 40 15 * 47 36 16 1 43 43 14 * 48 40 13 *
22 25
11
(continued) 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 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
46 34 19 1
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 40 45 15 * 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 45 32 23 * 41 38 21 * 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
There may be growing hatred of the United States in Muslim countries

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 34 43 22 1 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 40 46 14 * 31 38 30 1 30 40 28 1 42 37 20 * 33 35 31 1 25 43 31 1 45 37 17 1 27 37 32 3 30 38 31 1 41 42 16 * 27 34 36 2 29 38 32 * 37 42 21 32 31 36 2 29 37 33 1
The United States may owe too much money to other countries
The growing power of China may be a threat to the United States

23 26
11
(continued) 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
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
34 51 14 1 54 32 13 * 50 34 16 * 41 33 26 *
57 32 30 52 12 16 * 57 30 12 * 45 37 17 * 41 34 24 1
35 48 16 2 45 36 19 * 33 35 30 2
52 35 12 1 32 37 29 2
Rise in the cost of gas and fuel

Protecting American jobs from moving overseas

Global warming
That our actions in the Mideast are aiding the recruitment of terrorists
Worry a lot Worry somewhat Do not worry Dont know 39 38 21 1 40 41 17 1 42 43 15 * 37 40 22 1 40 39 19 2 41 41 17 * 33 37 37 24 2 38 41 18 2 38 41 18 2 33 40 25 2 31 45 22 2 31 45 22 2
The rise of Islamic extremism around the world

The possibility of unfriendly nations becoming nuclear powers

12
Do you think/believe that

improved communication and dialogue with the Muslim world will reduce hatred of the United States?
Yes No Dont know
53 43 4
53 43 4
53 41 6
56 37 7
59 38 3
24 27
12
(continued) Do you think/believe that
we can ght terrorism without sometimes using torture against suspected terrorists?
Yes No Dont know
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
50 44 6
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 46 48 5 50 46 4 52 42 6 53 42 5 51 45 4
if there is less poverty in the world, there will be less terrorism?

Yes No Dont know 46 52 2 45 51 4 44 53 2 47 49 4 46 52 3
13
Do you think its realistic or unrealistic to expect/believe that

U.S. companies will keep jobs in the United States when labor is cheaper elsewhere?
Realistic Unrealistic Dont know
23 75 2
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 60 34 6 41 56 3 65 29 6 41 55 4 35 63 3
international cooperation can reduce global warming?

Realistic Unrealistic Dont know
the U.S. government can prevent more countries from developing nuclear weapons?
Realistic Unrealistic Dont know 36 62 3 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 46 34 19 1 12 33 51 3 47 36 16 1 13 35 49 3 49 37 11 3 20 36 40 4 48 37 14 1 22 39 35 4
25 28
Creating a democratic Iraq

A lot Something Not much Dont know
14
(continued) Is the following something our government can do a lot about,
something about or not much about? Preventing jobs from going overseas
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
44 31 24 1 30 45 23 2 27 42 30 2 37 42 21 1
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
Establishing good relations with moderate Muslims

Preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction

Preventing another major terrorist attack against the United States

Decreasing our dependence on other countries for our supply of energy

A lot Something Not much Dont know 50 35 14 1 37 33 26 4 38 39 20 3 15 34 49 1 49 36 14 2 34 36 26 3 44 40 14 2 17 30 51 2 51 36 11 1 35 36 24 5 45 36 13 5 50 35 12 3 30 40 26 5 41 39 15 5
Reducing global warming

Reducing our debts to other countries

Controlling the violence in Iraq

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 22 73 5 23 74 3 31 64 5 36 58 6 38 54 4
26 29
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
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
47 43 6 4 *
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 36 38 13 11 2 16 51 19 10 3 70 24 4 2 * 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
Actively creating democracies in other countries

Helping other countries when they are struck by natural disasters

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 37 10 7 1 46 36 9 7 3 46 33 9 8 4 44 34 11 7 3
Doing what we think is best for our own interests even if our allies oppose us
Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Dont know 43 43 6 7 2 53 28 8 9 2 51 33 7 7 2 35 48 16 2 45 36 10 6 3 50 31 8 7 3
Initiating military force only when we have the support of of our allies military force only when we have the support our allies
27 30
17
(continued) 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? Cooperating with other countries on problems like the environment or control of diseases
75 21 2 2 * 45 41 8 4 1 64 30 4 2 * 53 35 9 4 * 60 30 6 3 1 75 19 2 3 1 56 28 7 6 2
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
Helping poor countries move out of poverty

Assisting countries in developing clean water supplies

Helping people in poor countries to get an education

Improving the treatment of women in other countries

Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons

Cooperating with other countries on reducing global warming

28 31
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
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
18 18 21
18 21 21 21B
Other countries benet more than the United States Other countries benet more than the United States Very much benets more Unsure who benets more Unsure who Somewhat Dont know Dont know Thinking about Not too much the benets of international trade, do you think for the at all States benets more Notmost part the United asked later in the survey. than other countries, Note: Questions 19 and 20 were asked later in the survey. Note: Questions 19 and 20 were Dont know countries benet more than the United States or are or that other
Thinking about the benets of international trade, do you think for Thinking about the benets of international trade, do you think for Note:most part the United asked later in the survey. than other countries, the Questions 19 and 20 were States benets more the most part the United States benets more than other countries, or that other countries benet more than the United States or are or that other countries benet more than the United States or are Howunsuredo you trust our government to tell the public much you unsure who benets? you truth about our relations with other countries? who benets? the The United States benets more than other countries The United States benets more than other countries Would you say you trust them
15 34 49 2
Sept Sept 2007 2007 (%) (%)
17 31 50 1
March March 2007 2007 (%) (%)

Sept Sept 2006 2006 (%) (%)

Jan Jan 2006 2006 (%) (%)

June June 2005 2005 (%) (%)
21 21A 21B 21B
Completely Unsure who Very much benets more Very much Somewhat Dont know Somewhat Somewhat Not very Not too much Not too much Not at all Note: Not Questions 19 and 20 were asked later in the survey. Not at all at all Dont know know Dont know Dont
Howunsuredo you trust our government to tell the public you much who benets? How much do you trust our government to tell the public Howtruth about our relations with other countries? in what it told the do you think the government has been the truthful States relations with other countries? the truth about ourbenets more than other countries The United public about our actionsthem in Afghanistan? Would countries benet more than the United States Other you say you trust Would you say you trust them
15 15 34 34 8 49 49 34 2 2 28 29 Sept * 2007
(%)
17 17 31 31 7 50 50 33 1 1 32 27 March * 2007
(%)
10 39 27 22 Sept 1 2006
(%)
11 37 28 23 Jan * 2006
(%)
June 2005
(%)
Completely Very much Completely Completely Somewhat Somewhat very Not too much Not very very Not at all Not at all Not at all Dont know Dont know Dont know
How much do you trust our government to tell the public Howtruth about our relations with other countries? in what it told the the truthful do you think the government has been in what it told the How truthful do you think the government has been in what it told the How truthful do you think the government has been public about our actionsthem Would about our actions in Afghanistan? public about our actions in Iraq? public you say you trust in Afghanistan?
15 34 9 49 8 8 41 2 34 34 24 28 28 24 29 29 2 * *
17 31 50 7 7 1 33 33 32 32 27 27 * *
10 10 39 39 27 27 22 22 1 1
11 11 37 37 28 28 23 23 * *
11 8 9 9 36 34 41 41 26 28 24 24 26 29 24 24 1 * 2 2
7 39 33 27 32 27 1 *
10 39 27 22 1
11 37 28 23 *
21C 21B 21A 21A
Completely Completely Completely Somewhat Somewhat Somewhat Not very Not very Not very Not at all Not at all Not at all Dont know Dont know Dont know
How truthful do you think the government has been about howtold the much How truthful do you think the government has been in what it told the How truthful do you think the government has been in what it progress we our actions in Iraq? public about are making in homeland security? public about our actions in Afghanistan? Iraq?
11 9 11 11 47 41 36 36 21 24 26 26 19 24 26 26 2 1 1
7 7 39 39 27 27 27 27 1 1
12 52 22 12 1
10 50 23 14 4
21D 21A 21C 21C
Completely Completely Completely Somewhat Somewhat Somewhat Not very very Not very Not Not at all Not at all Not at all Dont know Dont know Dont know
How truthful do you think the government has been about how much well we How truthful do you think the government has been about howtold the How truthful do you think the government has been in what it much about how are doing in are making in homeland public about are making in homeland security? our actions Iraq? progress we the war on terrorism? security? progress we
10 11 11 46 36 47 47 22 26 21 21 20 26 19 19 2 1 2 2
7 39 27 27 1
12 12 52 52 22 22 12 12 1 1
10 10 50 50 23 23 14 14 4 4
21C 21D 21D
How truthful do you think the government has been about how much How truthful do you think the government has been about how well we well we progress in the war on terrorism? are making in homeland are doingwe the war on terrorism? security? are doing in
Completely Completely Somewhat Somewhat Not very Not very Not at all Not at all Dont know Dont know 11 12 10 10 10 47 52 50 46 46 21 22 23 22 22 12 14 20 CONFIDENCE 19 U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007 IN 20 2 1 4 2
29
21D
How truthful do you think the government has been about how well we are doing in the war on terrorism?
Completely Somewhat Not very Not at all Dont know 10 46 22 20 U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007 CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007 CONFIDENCE IN 2
29 32 29
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
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
47 42 10 19 48 30 3
50 42 7 19 51 27 3
23
opinion should In your opinion, ? the United States ?

Should the U.S. withdraw all troops from Iraq Withdraw all troops from Iraq immediately immediately Should the U.S. gradually withdraw all troops months Gradually withdraw all troops over the next 12over the next 12 months Should troops stay in Iraq for as long as it takes to stabilize the country Dont know
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 57 33 9 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
Note: Questions 19 and 20 were asked out of numerical order.
36 60 4
34 61 5
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 19 45 21 16 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
35 30 9 10 13 4
44 28 5 8 11 3
30 33
20A
What do you think is the best option for dealing with the al-Qaeda Al Qaeda terrorist camps in Pakistan? Should the U.S. ?
Use force to remove the terrorist camps now, even if our ally, the government of Pakistan, objects Give more aid and assistance to Pakistan and help them remove the terrorist camps themselves even though it may take longer Reduce aid and assistance to the government of Pakistan to pressure them to remove the terrorist camps quickly Dont know
Sept 2007 (%)
March 2007 (%)
Sept 2006 (%)
Jan 2006 (%)
June 2005 (%)
24 31 35 10
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 49 39 11 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 74 6 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 56 39 4 1 52 36 11 1 38 44 16 1 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
Tighter controls on immigration to the United States

A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know
Showing more respect for the views and needs of other countries
Creating policies that support equal rights and better educational opportunities for women in Muslim countries
A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know 27 44 28 2 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 36 42 20 2 34 46 18 1 40 39 19 1 32 44 21 3 41 34 23 2
31 34
28
(continued) Please tell me if each of the following would enhance
our security a great deal, somewhat or not at all. Maintaining our military edge by exploring new technologies or placing weapons in space
34 44 17 6 34 45 18 2 28 50 17 5 25 35 35 4
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
Closer cooperation with the UN

Closer cooperation with the European Union

Attacking countries that develop weapons of mass destruction

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 25 38 35 2 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 48 27 1 19 52 25 3 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
Doing more to help Muslim countries develop economically

Becoming less dependent on other countries for our supply of energy

A great deal Somewhat Not at all Dont know 53 38 7 1 55 34 10 1 57 30 11 1 57 33 8 2
32 35
29
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) (Base: :Half of respondents) Sept 2007 (%) March 2007 (%) Sept 2006 (%) Jan 2006 (%) June 2005 (%)
Totally justied Partially justied Not justied at all Dont know
29 35 33 2
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) (Base: :Half of respondents)
19 44 34 2
20 39 36 4
The United States is so concerned with its own security that it sometimes resorts to torture in the war on terrorism
(Base: :Half of respondents) (Base Half of respondents)
19 38 37 5
The United States has often been allied with governments that are unjust and exploit their own people
(Base Half of respondents) (Base: :Half of respondents)
20 48 27 5
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
17 48 29 5
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
15 49 33 2
20 40 37 2
15 46 35 3
16 40 39 5
19 36 44 1
33 36
Characteristics of the sample

September March 2007 (%) March September 2007 2007 (%) (%)
Gender
Male Female 48 52
Race
White Black/African-American Hispanic Asian Something else
Age
1829 3039 4049 5064 65 or more 21 16 22 23 16
68 11 13 2 5
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 12 12 11 13 18 24
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 81 57 27 2 1 9 42 54 1 1 * 1 3 3 10
Party
Republican Democrat Independent Something else 27 32 27 10
Political ideology
Liberal Moderate Conservative 19 34 37
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 31 19 9 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
34 37
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; John Doble for his counsel and support; 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.
39 38
Scott Bittle, Peiting Chen, Jenny Choi and David White, of Public Agenda Online, for producing a distinctive and highly informative online version of this report; Daniel Yankelovich, who joined Cyrus Vance more than two decades ago to found Public Agenda; Dans thinking on public opinion remains at the core of our work; And Public Agenda president Ruth A. Wooden for her vision, insight and guidance.
About Public Agenda
About Public Agenda Founded in 1975 by social scientist and author Daniel Yankelovich and former U.S. Secretary Founded in 1975 by social Public Agenda works to Yankelovich, and former U.S.better understand of State Cyrus Vance, scientist and author Daniel help the nations leaders Secretary of State Cyrus Vance,point of view and to help average citizens better understand critical policy issues. the publics Public Agenda works to help the nations leaders better understand the publics point of view and to help average citizens better understand critical policywon praise in-depth research on Our in-depth research on how citizens think about policy has issues. Our for its credibility and how citizens think about policy has won praise for its credibility and fairness fromand decision makers fairness from elected ofcials from both political parties and from experts elected ofcials from both political parties and from experts and decision makers across the political spectrum. Our citizen across the political spectrum. Our citizen education materials and award-winning website, education materials and award-winning web site www.publicagenda.org offer unbiased information www.publicagenda.org, offer unbiased information about the challenges the country faces. about the challenges the country faces. Recently recognized by Library Journal as one of the Webs best Twice nominated for the prestigious Webby award for best political site, Public Agenda Online resources, Public Agenda Online provides comprehensive information on a wide range of policy issues. provides comprehensive information on a wide range of policy issues.
Ofcers Ofcers
Daniel Yankelovich Daniel Yankelovich Chairman Ruth A. Wooden President Judith Board of DirectorsDavidson Moyers
Public Affairs Television, Inc.
Chairman
Lloyd Morrisett Lloyd Morrisett Committee Chairman, Executive
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Chairman, Executive Committee Alice S. Huang Co-Founder and Chairman

Cyrus R. Vance Co-Founder 1976 1999
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California Institute of Technology Bobby R. Inman Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)
and Chairman
Honorary Member Cyrus R. Vance 1976 1999 Sidney Harman

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Honorary Member
26Sidney Harman NOT FOR ME IMPORTANT, BUT
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Senior Adviser, Public Agenda
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Condence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index

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Introduction: What will work?

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

58% 49% 65% 58% 56 38% 52%% 52%

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Helping other countries when they are struck by natural disasters

Hunting down anti-American terrorists

Making sure we have a strong, well-supplied military

Giving the war on terror all the attention it deserves

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Broad and intense dissatisfaction 60 (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50

when it comes to achieving the following goals? Percent who say C, D, or F:

The s of th truth trust all to er cou year a

The the tr doubt cent), (42 p The n tell th dropp

These havin public what

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

A lot Not much

51% Not much or to create a democratic Iraq

Dont know Something

Shift awaytofrom diplomacy in Iran Use diplomacy try to 44%

8% 28% 10% 30% 5% 11 9% % 13% 8% 10%

the current situation in Iran

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Significant majority anxious Overwhelming majority anxious

NEITHER ANXIOUS NOR CONFIDENT

FOREIGN POLICY ANXIETY INDICATOR FOREIGN POLICY ANXIETY INDICATOR

NEITHER ANXIOUS NOR CONFIDENT

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Fall 2007: Grades at a glance

A+B change since A+B 2005 (%) (%)

D+F change since D+F 2005 (%) (%)

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Fall 2007: Worries at a glance

Worry a lot (%)

Worry somewhat (%)

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Fall 2007: Strategies at a glance Goals at a glance

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Fall 2007: Strategies at a glance

Tighter control over foreign students who come to our colleges

Sept 36 2007 (%)

March 2007-5 (%)

Sept 200642 (%)

Jan 2006 20 (%)

June 2005 3 (%)

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

Full survey results Full Survey Results

Sept 2007 (%)

March 2007 (%)

Sept 2006 (%)

Jan 2006 (%)

June 2005 (%)

CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INDEX: FALL 2007

of the world sees the United States?