Rejecting Retreat

Bottom Line: Despite what the current political climate seems to suggest, Americans from both parties do not want the United States to take a back seat in world affairs. Indeed, many Americans still favor the post-World War II foreign policy status quo.

Foreign policy experts increasingly conclude that Americans want the U.S. to "Retreat from the world."

This position is fueled by the rise of progressive Democrats and isolationist Republicans, and a "wearied, worried" disposition with regard to the Iraq War and other foreign entanglements. Analysts expect this climate will yield to an increasing adoption of an "America First" mindset.

But Americans are interested in the U.S. taking an active position in the global arena.

Nearly 70 percent of Americans think it's best for the country if the United States remains active in world affairs. Majorities of Democrats (75%) and Republicans (69%) hold this position. Even the 30% of Americans who believe the U.S. should stay out of world affairs "do not necessarily oppose all types of international involvement."

Majorities of Americans believe it's important to maintain military power.

Americans are most committed to preserving military alliances (74%) and "maintaining U.S. military superiority (69%)" and slightly less gung-ho about keeping American troops in foreign countries (51%) or invading other countries (27%). "In other words, when it comes to the US military, the public seems to adhere to President Theodore Roosevelt’s admonition to 'speak softly and carry a big stick.'"

Americans are less united on non-military issues.

While nearly 90 percent think international trade is good for the U.S. economy, only three quarters of Republicans support placing tariffs on Chinese imports. Only 66% of Democrats support the tariffs, along with 50% of independents. Meanwhile, less than 20% of Democrats think immigration is "likely to pose a critical threat," compared to 78% of Republicans.

Read the full survey here.