As the 2024 election cycle heats up, foreign policy is emerging as a critical topic of discussion among voters. Different Americans have different preferences when it comes to foreign policy. According to a study by the Pew Research Centre, here is a list of eighteen top foreign policy priorities of Americans.
Taking measures to protect the U.S. from terrorist attacks
73% of Americans consider protecting the United States from terrorist attacks the most important foreign policy.
67% of Democrats and 83% of Republicans believe this policy is a priority.
89% of Americans aged above 65, 85% between 50 and 64, 65% between 30 and 49, and 55% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Reducing the flow of illegal drugs into our country
Reducing the influx of illegal drugs into the U.S. is a significant concern for Americans, with 64% identifying it as a top foreign policy priority. 51% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans say this policy is a priority. 85% of Americans aged above 65, 74% between 50 and 64, 59% between 30 and 49, and 39% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction
Preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction is one of the top priorities for all Americans, with 63% of Americans saying this is a top foreign policy priority. 68% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans say this policy is a priority.
76% of Americans aged above 65, 69% between 50 and 64, 56% between 30 and 49, and 54% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Maintaining the U.S. military advantage over all other countries
53% of Americans say maintaining the U.S. military advantage over all other countries is a top priority. 41% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans say this policy is a priority.
71% of Americans aged above 65, 61% between 50 and 64, 49% between 30 and 49, and 39% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Reducing the spread of infectious diseases
52% of Americans say that Reducing the spread of infectious diseases is a top priority. 63% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans say this policy is a priority.
61% of Americans aged above 65, 58% between 50 and 64, 47% between 30 and 49, and 45% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Limiting the power and influence of Russia
50% of Americans say that limiting the power and influence of Russia is a top priority. 57% of Democrats and 45% of Republicans say this policy is a priority.
67% of Americans aged above sixty-five, 60% between 50 and 64, 42% between 30 and 49, and 33% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Limiting the power and influence of China
49% of Americans say that limiting the power and influence of China is a top priority. 42% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans say this policy is a priority.
72% of Americans above 65, 58% between 50 and 64, 40% between 30 and 49, and 28% between 18 and 29 say this policy is a top priority.
Dealing with global climate change
44% of Americans say that dealing with global climate change is a top priority. 70% of Democrats and only 15% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
39% of Americans aged above 65, 43% between 50 and 64, 38% between 30 and 49, and 59% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Getting other countries to assume more of the costs of maintaining world order
42% of Americans say that getting other countries to assume more of the costs of maintaining world order is a top priority. 33% of Democrats and 54% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
55% of Americans above 65, 48% between 50 and 64, 37% between 30 and 49, and 28% between 18 and 29 say this policy is a top priority.
Limiting the power and influence of North Korea
38% of Americans say that limiting the power and influence of North Korea is a top priority. 37% of Democrats and 43% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
58% of Americans above 65, 44% between 50 and 64, 27% between 30 and 49, and 25% between 18 and 29 say this policy is a top priority.
Limiting the power and influence of Iran
37% of Americans say that limiting the power and influence of Iran is a top priority. 29% of Democrats and 49% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
61% of Americans aged above 65, 49% between 50 and 64, 24% between 30 and 49, and 17% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
The U.S. being a leader in developing Artificial Intelligence
32% of Americans say that the U.S. being a leader in developing Artificial Intelligence is a top priority. Neither Democrats nor Republicans say this is a top priority.
35% of Americans aged above 65, 35% between 50 and 64, 31% between 30 and 49, and 26% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Strengthening NATO
27% of Americans say that strengthening NATO is a top priority. 37% of Democrats and 19% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
37% of Americans aged above 65, 33% between 50 and 64, 23% between 30 and 49, and 17% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Promoting and defending human rights in other countries
26% of Americans say promoting and defending human rights in other countries is a top priority. 36% of Democrats and 15% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
19% of Americans aged above 65, 25% between 50 and 64, 24% between 30 and 49, and 36% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
The U.S. being a leader in space exploration
25% of Americans say that the U.S. being a leader in space exploration
is a top priority. Neither Democrats nor Republicans say this is a top priority.
33% of Americans aged above 65, 26% between 50 and 64, 20% between 30 and 49, and 21% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Reducing U.S. military commitments overseas
24% of Americans say that reducing U.S. military commitments overseas
is a top priority. Neither Democrats nor Republicans say this is a top priority.
18% of Americans aged above 65, 23% between 50 and 64, 26% between 30 and 49, and 29% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Supporting Ukraine
23% of Americans say that supporting Ukraine is a top priority. 37% of Democrats and 12% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
38% of Americans aged above 65, 26% between 50 and 64, 17% between 30 and 49, and 15% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.
Supporting Israel
22% of Americans say that supporting Israel is a top priority. 8% of Democrats and 39% of Republicans say this policy is a top priority.
39% of Americans aged above 65, 29% between 50 and 64, 15% between 30 and 49, and 7% between 18 and 29 say that this policy is a top priority.