 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| U.S. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT | Priorities for U.S. Foreign Policy | ||
|
New Index Reveals the Public’s Priorities for U.S. Foreign Policy The Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index, a public opinion poll supported by the Ford Foundation and Foreign Affairs, investigates what the American public believes are priorities and effective strategies for U.S. foreign policy. Its second volume revealed that Americans are primarily concerned with helping other nations recover from natural disasters, cooperating with others to solve environmental and health related problems, and improving the treatment of women in other countries. Overall, the study reinforces the notion that a majority of the public prefers a cooperative and principled approach to U.S. global engagement. When asked to rate the importance of various foreign policy actions, a majority of Americans (71%) identified the need to help other countries affected by natural disasters as the first priority for U.S. foreign policy. This result is reflected in the outpouring of generosity and support given to those affected by the Asian tsunami. The second priority the public identified was the need for international cooperation to address environmental and health concerns. Recognizing the fact that environmental and health issues know no borders, 70% of Americans believe that U.S. foreign policy should address these issues. Understanding the negative impact of climate change, more than half of the public (57%) believes that international cooperation can combat this pressing problem. The American public is also concerned with improving the treatment of women in other countries. A majority of Americans (57%) recognize that as a leader in the global community, it is important to uphold the rights of women in other countries. Additionally, 50% of Americans believes that foreign policy should also focus on helping people in developing countries get an education, in order for communities to move towards self-sufficiency. The results of the Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index reveal that the public is aware of the problems that affect our global community and wants a cooperative and principled approach to solving these problems. Over 85% of Americans agree that it is important to “take into account the views and interests of other countries” in the formulation of foreign policy. Americans recognize they are part of an interconnected world that is fighting common problems including climate change, poverty, and global health issues. They also wish to uphold their values of solidarity and respect for human rights by wanting to assist nations affected by natural disasters, helping children to receive higher levels of education, and promoting the rights of women abroad. Our elected officials should try to close the gap between what our foreign policy looks like today and what citizens believe are the priorities for American foreign policy.
+ CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL POLL RESULTS |
|
LINKS |
  |
 |
 |
 |
|