Public Agenda Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index, Vol. 4: Anxious Public Pulling Back From Use of Force

Publication Date: April 2007

Publisher: Foreign Affairs Association; Public Agenda Foundation

Author(s): Amber Ott; Jonathan Rochkind; Scott Bittle

Research Area: Government

Type: Report

Abstract:

Public anxiety about America's place in the world has reached troubling levels. The Spring 2007 edition of the Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index suggests that Americans' anguish over Iraq is spilling over into other areas of foreign policy. The Anxiety Indicator, which tracks the public's overall comfort level with foreign policy, stands at 137. That is a seven-point increase in the indicator since the fall, edging closer to the 150-mark that would indicate a crisis of confidence. In addition, the public's disenchantment is leading to increased skepticism about the use of military force and a stronger inclination to diplomatic options.