2009-12-02-皮尤-U.S._Seen_as_Less_Important,_China_as_More_Powerful_122页_683kb

America's Place in the World 2009: Key Findings Summary

Introduction

• Report Objective: Assessed public and leadership perceptions of America's role in the world in 2009.
• Sample: Surveys among 2,000 general public and 642 Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) members.

Section 1: Global Position and Leadership

Americans widely view the U.S. as the dominant military power (63% overall), though opinions on leadership role division vary. Public favor shared leadership (81%), while CFR members prefer assertiveness (62% of CFR view U.S. as most assertive). Both groups expressed pessimism about America's relative standing—49% (public) and 44% (CFR) see the U.S. as playing a less important role than a decade ago.

Section 2: Threat Perception and Military Actions

• Top Threats: Majorities in both public and CFR cited Islamic extremism, Iran's nuclear program, and international financial instability as major threats.
• Military Views: While public support preemptive force, CFR is more cautious. In response to Iran possessing a nuclear weapon, public majority (63%) supports military action; CFR disapproves (61%). Regarding Afghanistan, whereas CFR mostly views initial military action as justified, public opinion has decreased.

Section 3: Global Problems and Policy Goals

Both public and CFR prioritize preventing terrorist attacks and promoting U.S. jobs. Notably wide divergences exist over climate change (CFR: 88% top priority; Public: 39%), treating drug trafficking, and foreign aid. CFR emphasizes non-proliferation and UN strengthening less than public.

Section 4: Views of U.S. Alliances and Country Favorability

• Future Alliances: CFR viewed China and India as more important future partners than public. Conversely, France, Britain, and Japan's roles are deemed less important by both.
• Favorability: Views of China improved modestly (44% favorable) while views of Pakistan became more negative (favorable rating: 16%, down from 37% in 2008).

Section 5: Obama's Foreign Policy Performance

• Approval: CFR members approve of Obama's foreign policy more than public (77% vs. 51%).
• Key Issues: Significant divergence on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and climate change. Obama is generally viewed positively for leadership in missile defense and global climate affirmation by CFR, with less consensus public.

Section 6: Opinions on Afghanistan and Iraq

Optimism regarding stabilization in Iraq is higher than for Afghanistan (52% vs. 46%). Favorable opinions of troops remaining longer prevail (65% overall desire troops out within less than two years).

Section 7: Terrorism and Civil Liberties

• Terrorism Concern: Public and CFR largely disagree on threat level change post-9/11. Findings note a small majority public thinks the U.S. government has sufficiently defended against terrorism.
• Civil Liberties vs Security: Views are divided – roughly 40% feel government has not done enough; 36% believe policies have gone too far. Views have become more accepting of torturing suspected terrorists among Democrats and Independents.

Section 8: Views of Free Trade

• CFR to Public Gap: Extreme preference for free trade persists among CFR (88% view trade agreements favorably), more than double public opinion (43%).
• Trade Impact Views: Public largely registers negative impacts of free trade on jobs, wages, and economy but views it positively for developing countries.

Section 9: Isolationism and Multilateralism

Increased unilateralism is observed; 44% say U.S. should focus on domestic issues. Views have become more isolated globally, with 49% preferring U.S. to pursue interests unilaterally.

Conclusion

America's perceived global role is in decline in public opinion, intertwined with concerns over national leadership, surveillance, and economic strategy. Tensions between public and elite opinions on foreign policy, alliance strategy, and global engagement remain pronounced amidst the financial crisis and international conflicts.