By Steven Kull
This paper was first presented on May 14th, 2010 at the Center for International Security Studies Second Annual Symposium at Princeton University
As the stress of two wars combines with after-affects of a deep recession and a global financial crisis that keeps unfolding new chapters, many observers have expressed concern that the American public will be increasingly unwilling to shoulder the burden of America’s unique world position of leadership.
These concerns were sharply evoked last December by a major study on attitudes toward foreign policy from the Pew Research Center. This poll included a number of long-standing trend line questions that are often seen as a measure of isolationism. These showed a sharp movement that has been widely interpreted as a surge of isolationism. However even the same poll also showed support for various forms of international engagement. So that the story is not as simple as was reported.
Stated briefly I think there are some signs that the public is feeling overextended and would like to lighten the burden of America’s role in the world. This has actually been true for sometime, but it has been significantly exacerbated by the economic crisis and the effect of conducting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They feel the pressure of the budget deficit–something that concerns them.
However, I do not think that this should be interpreted as a simple move toward isolationism. In response to poll questions that pose only two response options–basically for the US to disengage or not–we see some signs of an increasing desire to disengage.
But when given more response options, we find more complex response. There is a clear preference for a reducing America’s dominant role. But there is also clear support for the US to stay engaged in the world, though in a less hegemonic and more cooperative form even if this means relinquishing some control.