Among potential threats, respondents are most concerned about terrorism
October 17, 2011
Nepalese respondents are much more likely to consider Pakistan as posing the greatest threat to South Asian security than Afghanistan or India. Concerns about terrorism overshadow fears about crime, nuclear weapons, and rivalries of India with Pakistan and China.
Americans believe that the U.S. Army and Marines are the most important to national defense, followed by the Air Force and Navy. This differs from the years prior to the start of the Iraq war, when Americans named the Air Force as the most important branch of the armed forces.
Large plurality call for Congress to agree on deficit reduction before raising debt limit
January 26, 2011
Prior to the State of the Union address, Americans favored cutting U.S. foreign aid, but opposed cuts in eight other budget areas, including education, Social Security, and defense. Still, Americans would prefer to see Congress agree on deficit-cutting measures before it raises the national debt ceiling.
Fifty-one percent would vote for and 30% against, 19% unsure
December 10, 2010
Given a choice, 51% of Americans would vote for ratifying the START nuclear arms agreement with Russia, 30% would vote against it, and another 19% have no opinion. Democrats are slightly more supportive than independents or Republicans.
Majority see the conflict going badly for the U.S.
July 13, 2010
As Gen. David Petraeus takes charge of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, the majority of Americans like him personally while at the same time viewing the conflict there as going badly for the U.S.
Majorities in all key subgroups say they favor allowing gay men and women to serve openly
May 10, 2010
The majority of Americans in all key demographic subgroups continue to favor allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the military. At the national level, views haven't changed since last year, with 70% currently in favor and 25% opposed.
Most also believe U.S. will routinely be involved in combat in next two decades
February 26, 2010
While 64% of Americans believe the U.S. is the No. 1 military power in the world today, many fewer (36%) believe that the U.S. will be No. 1 militarily in 20 years.
Nearly as many now say it is “not strong enough” as say it is “about right”
February 18, 2010
Americans’ perceptions of the United States’ national defense have shifted since last year, with more saying it is “not strong enough” -- increasing from 37% to 45% -- and fewer saying it is “about right,” decreasing from 54% to 46%.
International terrorism viewed as top threat to U.S.
February 16, 2010
As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presses the case for more sanctions on Iran, 61% of Americans say the military power of Iran is a critical threat to U.S. vital interests. Of seven international issues, Americans rank Iran behind only international terrorism (81%) as a threat to the U.S.
Gallup reviews public opinion on 22 issues raised in State of the Union
January 29, 2010
Gallup looks at how a number of key points and policy proposals that President Barack Obama made in his State of the Union address Wednesday night relate to the views of the American people.
