Almost everyone in the United States cares about foreign policy. Most want a strong military to protect America from terrorism and other threats. And most agree that the United States should promote democracy, human rights and free trade abroad. But there is disagreement over how to accomplish those goals. Two broad assessments dominate the debate: Americanists, who emphasize the importance of America’s pre-eminence in world politics; and Globalists, who stress globalization.
Until recently, a bipartisan consensus supported the view that America should remain the dominant power in the world. Since the election of President Donald Trump, however, there has been a dramatic shakeup in that consensus. Republicans and Democrats now disagree about whether America should maintain its status as the world’s unrivaled superpower, or seek to reduce its role in the global arena.
Amid the policy schism, a large majority of Americans say that limiting the power and influence of Russia and China should be a top priority. And most say the United States should get other countries to assume more of the costs of maintaining international order, rather than shouldering all the burdens alone.
Americans also care about protecting the environment, promoting human rights and helping people around the world improve their living standards. They support international aid programs, such as those that provide food and water to hungry people and forgive the foreign debts of developing nations. Moreover, a vast majority of Americans oppose reducing America’s military commitments or withdrawing from the UN.