When to Intervene
The public’s views on when the U.S. should intervene in world affairs are often uncertain and reflect the tensions that have marked U.S. foreign policy thinking since Woodrow Wilson. On one hand, most Americans don’t want the U.S. to be the “world’s policeman” and generally don’t endorse the U.S. striking first at potential enemies. On the other, majorities also say preemptive attacks are justified in certain cases, such as when another country may use nuclear weapons against the U.S. or if there were evidence of possible terrorist activity. In general, Americans prefer that the U.S. handle international affairs with the backing of its allies and the U.N. However, Iraq may be an exception. While Americans supported the U.S.’ decision to forgo U.N. approval of the war in Iraq, most also say the U.S. should not feel free to use force without the backing of the U.N. in the future.
The public’s views on when the U.S. should intervene in world affairs are often uncertain and reflect the tensions that have marked U.S. foreign policy thinking since Woodrow Wilson. On one hand, most Americans don’t want the U.S. to be the “world’s policeman” and generally don’t endorse the U.S. striking first at potential enemies. On the other, majorities also say preemptive attacks are justified in certain cases, such as when another country may use nuclear weapons against the U.S. or if there were evidence of possible terrorist activity. In general, Americans prefer that the U.S. handle international affairs with the backing of its allies and the U.N. However, Iraq may be an exception. While Americans supported the U.S.’ decision to forgo U.N. approval of the war in Iraq, most also say the U.S. should not feel free to use force without the backing of the U.N. in the future.
- Half of Americans say the U.S. should play a major role in world affairs, but more than half reject ....
- Majorities say the U.S. should consider its allies’ views before taking action
- Responses to whether the U.S. has a responsibility to intervene in international “hot spots” vary ...
- Two-thirds say they supported the decision not to seek a U.N. vote on war with Iraq, but most say ...
- While half of Americans say they oppose preemptive strikes against other countries, most say the U.S. ...
Tags: 
