When it comes to foreign policy, American public opinion is divided. The differences reflect the fundamental tensions of a nation that remains deeply ambivalent about how it should interact with the rest of the world.
For Americanists, the central question is whether America is still capable of using its overwhelming military and economic power to shape a world that is more democratic and free. They believe the answer is yes, but that the United States needs to re-imagine the way it uses its power.
Globalists counter that America cannot go it alone. They see a world that is interconnected in ways that defy unilateral U.S. solutions. They stress the need to foster international cooperation and prevent the rise of new hegemons. They argue that America is not omnipotent and can no longer assume the role of guarantor of global security.
A third school of thought, Isolationism, advocates for a more minimalist approach to U.S. engagement. It advocates limiting commitments to others and avoiding all treaties. It also includes a right to belligerency in the event of attack.
There are more than 190 countries in the world today and the United States maintains diplomatic relations with most of them, as well as many international organizations. This global engagement is central to the national interest. However, publics in 24 countries surveyed are more inclined to say their country should follow its own interests rather than consider other nations’ interests when making foreign policy decisions.