In terms of foreign policy, there are misleading stereotypes of Democrats and Republicans. Supposedly, Democrats are strongly supportive of international cooperation, while Republicans are nationalistic, wanting to focus on America before other countries.
Yet surveys of Republicans generally show strong support for international cooperation. While it is true that Democrats are often more supportive, differences tend to be relatively modest. In many cases, 80% or more of Americans support joint international efforts, with strong support from those across the political spectrum.
In select cases, majorities of Democrats support policies that may be considered more hawkish, or at least prioritizing the interests of Americans over those in other countries. These include support for sufficient nuclear weapons for retaliation if needed, an interest in keeping superpower status, and a belief that protecting jobs of American workers should be a goal of U.S. foreign policy.
Check out the survey results below. This builds off a previous article written on this topic, but this includes many more data points.
- A 2025 Gallup report gave more consensus on foreign policy topics:
- Securing adequate energy supplies is rated as very important by 78% of Americans, followed by promoting favorable trade policies, at 67%.
- Americans rank some of the most important foreign policy goals and how important they believe it is (%):
- Preventing terrorism (84%)
- Preventing spread or use of nuclear weapons/weapons of mass destruction (83%)
- Promoting policy that is favorable for the U.S. economy (67%)
- Protect the security of the U.S. and allied nations (65%)
- Reduce international poverty/disease (58%)
- 76% of Americans say that NATO and our alliances with NATO states must be preserved.
- An all time high of 81% of Americans believe that foreign trade is an economic opportunity for the U.S. This view is shared by 78% of Republicans, 81% of Independents, and 86% of Democrats.
- A 2024 study by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs revealed significant American consensus on numerous foreign policy decisions:
- 65% of Americans believe that maintaining a U.S. role in international affairs is important, and the benefits outweigh any consequences.
- 58% of overall Americans believe support the U.S. providing economic assistance to Ukraine.
- 60% of Americans support backing Israel until the hostages have all been returned.
- 65% of Americans support the use of U.S. troops against a nation like Russia if Russia were to invade a NATO ally.
- 81% believe that international trade is good for supporting our quality of life as well as for the everyday benefit of average consumers. 75% believe that international trade is good for the U.S. economy. 58% believe engaging in the international economy is good for creating U.S. jobs.
- 66% believe there should be U.S. trade restrictions on other countries to protect U.S. industries/jobs.
- 79% wish to prevent U.S. companies from providing China with sensitive technologies that could potentially harm national security.
- A 2024 Chicago Council on Global Affairs report found that a majority of Americans support the U.S. having long-term military installments in the following countries: Germany, South Korea, Japan, Balkan NATO allies, the Philippines, and Poland.
- Pew Research in 2025 found bipartisan support for certain international aid programs:
- 77% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats support providing medical supplies to developing countries.
- 68% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats support providing clothing and food to developing nations.
- The top five most favorable G7 nations among Americans are Japan, Canada, Italy, UK, and Germany.
- 91% of Americans believe it is important to be respected among other nations.
- 76% of Americans believe the U.S. is the world’s strongest military superpower.
Hyria Stuart is a college student currently studying in Beijing. He majors in social work and serves as a political research assistant (American/international politics) at Boston College while planning to pursue a graduate degree (Public Administration/Policy) in the U.S. He has been interning as a policy analyst and editor since April 2020, focusing on nonpartisan proposals seeking to bring Americans together. He helped re-elect Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) in 2020 as a campaign intern. Hyria has published in “Raise the Voices.” His political bias is Lean Left.
This piece was edited by Managing Editor Henry A. Brechter (Center bias), and was reviewed by James Coan (Center) of Braver Angels.
