Reagan Institute Survey: Americans Torn on U.S. Role in Global Affairs
As tensions flared once again in the Middle East, the latest Reagan Institute Summer Survey offered a snapshot of American opinion: When it comes to Iran and nuclear weapons, the vast majority of the public sees it as a critical threat. However, the poll also captured an unease over foreign threats and revealed a nation wrestling with its global role, torn between a desire to lead the world and an impulse to focus on the home front.
The poll, taken from May 27–June 2 with 1,257 respondents, was the latest poll in the Reagan Institute Summer Survey series, which has been conducted since the summer of 2023. The topline change they found that led the survey is that 64% of Americans want the U.S. to be “more engaged” in international affairs, compared to November 2023, when it stood at 42%. The group that wants the U.S. to be less engaged is also smaller than before, at 23%, down from 32% in November 2024.
On the timely matters, 84% of respondents said that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon matters “somewhat” or “a great deal” to U.S. security and prosperity. However, the methods of preventing Iran from having a nuclear program were less popular, with 66% supporting a new nuclear deal, but only 45% supporting the idea of Israel conducting targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, while 37% were opposed.
The Reagan Institute poll didn’t ask about the popularity of a U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but a snap poll from YouGov did. According to the poll taken from June 21-22, 46% disapproved of the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, while 35% approved. Most of the disagreement was partisan, with Republicans approving of it with 68%, while only 16% of Democrats supported it.
Seventy-one percent also said that the security of Israel matters for U.S. security and prosperity. However, on the issue of providing weapons to Israel, only 49% supported it, down five points from November.
A similarly large concern, although not currently in the news cycle, was China and Taiwan. Between 74% and 84% said they were concerned about issues related to Chinese surveillance, such as “Chinese military-age men crossing the southern border illegally” and Chinese telecom firms in U.S. networks collecting data.
Unlike support for military aid to Israel, which was mixed, support for defending Taiwan from China is very strong. According to the poll, 70% would support the U.S. taking military action to defend Taiwan if it were invaded or blockaded by China.
Overall, though, Americans seem to want it both ways when it comes to foreign policy. The poll found that 85% support the U.S. leading and engaging in international events related to trade and boosting the economy, and 83% said the U.S. has a moral obligation to stand up for human rights and democracy “whenever possible.” However, 57% also said that the “U.S. is better served by withdrawing from international affairs and focusing more attention on problems here at home.”
This presents a struggle for lawmakers, as Americans expect the U.S. to both lead on international events, such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and conflict in the Middle East, but also want the U.S. to withdraw from international affairs and focus attention on domestic issues. For now, though, it seems Americans are content with the ongoing more hands-on approach, with 67% saying that U.S. involvement in world events benefits the entire world, and 66% saying U.S. involvement is also beneficial for the United States.
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