In the 20th century, America forged a global order that has brought peace and prosperity to many countries. In this new age of global politics, sustaining that success requires a broad policy framework.
It requires promoting democratic values and free markets to the world through diplomatic engagement. It also requires maintaining military superiority, both in terms of technological edge and the ability to bring force to bear at a moment’s notice. And it requires a recognition that what happens in the world matters to Americans, and that American interests can be pursued with the support of friends and allies around the globe.
At the same time, Americans are divided on how much the United States should be active in the world. As in many other countries, ideological differences are larger on this question than partisan differences. In fact, a widening gap between liberals and conservatives has emerged over the past four years.
People in 24 nations are generally more inclined to believe that their country should follow its own interests than to think it should take other countries’ concerns into account. This includes majorities in the U.S. and in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Greece. However, publics in the European Union are more inclined to say their country should work to solve problems that affect multiple countries, such as a pandemic or territorial dispute. This reflects a deep concern about the consequences of uncooperative global governance that has fueled popular discontent in Europe and elsewhere.