The 60th Presidential Election in the United States is rapidly approaching, drawing heightened attention to foreign policies amidst ongoing global conflicts. As Americans face a complicated global environment, certain foreign policy issues stand out as especially pressing.
A recent Pew Research Center survey, conducted between April 1 and April 7, 2024, with 3,600 U.S. adults, assessed 22 long-range foreign policy goals. This survey also compared current responses with those from 2018 and 2021 to track shifts in public opinion over time.
Based on their report, we have summarized the key foreign policies that Americans deem most critical for national attention.
Preventing Terrorist Attacks
The threat of terrorism remains a significant concern for Americans. The profound impact of events like the September 11 attacks (2001) or the Boston Marathon bombing (2013) have highlighted the vulnerabilities of national security. Moreover, the significant national trauma from thousands of deaths and hostage situations has made Americans anxious about terrorist threats. Thus, it is understandable why 73% of Americans feel acquiring suitable measures to prevent terrorist attacks should be the topmost priority. In the last fiscal year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received budgetary resources worth $189.70 billion for enhancing national security and preventing terrorist activities.
Reducing Illegal Drugs
The severe domestic consequences of drug abuse in the USA include public health crises and crime. From unauthorized medicinal abuse to opioid addiction and substance abuse, America’s illicit drug consumption is a real threat to the country’s well-being. In 2022, 107, 941 deaths occurred in the U.S. due to drug overdose. Controlling the flow of illegal substances from Mexico and other neighboring regions is a continuous struggle. So, 64% of Americans feel controlling illicit drug flow should be a top foreign policy priority.
Preventing the Spread of Mass Destruction Weapons
Since the 2nd amendment to the United States Constitution, Americans have earned the right to possess arms. On the other hand, several incidents of gun violence and mass shootings have highlighted the concern about the spread of mass destruction weapons in the country. About 58% of Americans feel there should be stricter gun policies. In the survey mentioned above, 63% of respondents said America’s foreign policy should focus more on stopping the spread of mass destruction weapons.
Globally Maintaining the U.S. Military Advantage
More than half of the Americans (53%) feel that it is important for Americans to maintain military advantage over other countries. A strong military deters potential adversaries, supports alliances, and enables the U.S. to respond effectively to global threats. The recent conflicts with other nations have also increased this tendency in average Americans.
Reducing Infectious Diseases
The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread illness and death in the U.S. with 104.5 million total cases. The economic disruption and strained healthcare systems exemplified how infectious diseases can have severe global and national impacts. 52% of Americans feel that preventing infectious diseases can protect public health and ensure economic stability. However, the percentage is almost similar to the figure before Covid-19.
Limiting the Influence of Russia
Comparing the recent 2024 survey with the 2018 and 2021 surveys, it can be observed that Americans have become more worried about international threats than before. The turbulent dynamics between the United States and Russia have taken a new bitter turn after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. While supporting Ukraine is a particularly important agenda for Democrats, 50% of Americans generally feel that putting a stop to Russia’s power and influence must be a top priority.
Limiting the Influence of China
Similar to America’s conflicting relationship with Russia, the Chinese-American conflict also seems to be a foreign policy priority nowadays. 49% of Americans strongly feel that America should devise stricter foreign policies to reduce China’s power and influence. This percentage has increased by 17% from the 2018 reports, becoming the most massively changed priority in 2024. One of the major reasons behind the change can be the ongoing trade war between America and China since 2018.
Global Climate Change
Climate change is one of the topmost agendas for 70% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning people, while only 15% of Republicans seem concerned about the issue. Climate change poses national security threats by exacerbating conflicts over resources. It can also cause political instability and mass migrations. In general, 44% of Americans think America’s foreign policy should be focused on climate change around the world.
Costs of Maintaining World Order
42% of Americans think that America’s foreign policy should allow other nations to bear the costs of maintaining world order. This tendency aims to promote a more balanced distribution of responsibilities, reducing the strain on U.S. resources and taxpayers. As per the 2024 survey, Republicans (54%) feel this more strongly than Democrats (33%).
Reducing the Power of North Korea & Iran
About 4 out of 10 Americans feel that the United States’ foreign policies should be targeted toward limiting the influences of countries like North Korea and Iran. North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for militant groups are globally threatening. Thus, 38% of Americans feel the U.S. should take active measures to limit North Korea’s influence, while 37% of Americans feel the same for Iran.
Leading AI 32%
The United States already has a name for cutting-edge AI models and cloud computing technologies. Thus, many economists are arguing that America should replace its traditional trade competitions with a constructive agenda of leading in artificial intelligence. 32% of Americans think that America should devise more effective foreign policies to become a leader in artificial intelligence. Probable measures may include opening up dialogues with other nations involved in AI research.
Strengthening the United Nations
America is one of the five members of the Security Council of the United Nations. In 2022, the U.S. spent $18 billion for the UN budget as the largest single donor. Contribution to the UN, both politically and financially, has been America’s one of the topmost foreign priorities. However, recent surveys highlight that strengthening the United Nations is not a top-tier priority for Americans.
Only 31% of Americans feel that UN participation should be prioritized by the country. Statistically, Democrats (40%) feel the urge to boost America’s UN participation more than Republicans (20%).
