For its 2008 Public Opinion Study, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs conducted more than 1,500 interviews with a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults between July 3 and July 15, 2008. The survey asked more than fifty questions designed to gauge American attitudes on a number of foreign and domestic policy issues in the lead-up to the 2008 presidential elections. Short reports on specific topics of the 2008 Public Opinion Study were released throughout the fall of 2008. 

• On a 0 to 100 thermometer of feelings (with 0 meaning a very cold, unfavorable feeling and 100 meaning a very warm, favorable feeling), Japan ranks well ahead of China, with a mean rating of 59 compared to China’s 41.
• 57% of Americans are prepared to see Japan change Article Nine of its Constitution to allow Japanese forces to engage in a wider range of military activities. That is higher than support for Constitutional change among the Japanese public.
• 83% of Americans are opposed to Japan developing nuclear weapons, and majorities agree that Japan’s pursuit of nuclear weapons would violate commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and encourage other countries to develop nuclear weapons.

Short Report (PDF)

American Attitudes on Economic Policy
On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released a report of findings on American attitudes towards a number of domestic and economic policy issues. The findings show widespread anxiety over energy, jobs, and the distribution of income and wealth in the United States. These anxieties are reflected in largely negative American perceptions of globalization, immigration, NAFTA, and the U.S. economic future. 

• 82% of Americans favor fixing pressing problems at home rather than addressing challenges to the U.S. from abroad;
• A large majority of Americans (80%) view protecting the jobs of American workers as a “very important” foreign policy goal;
• 60% of Americans believe that the next generation of Americans will be economically worse off than today’s working adults;
• 80% of Americans think that securing adequate supplies of energy is a “very important” goal for U.S. foreign policy, more than 10 points higher than the goal of combating international terrorism.
  

Short Report (PDF)
Press Release

American Attitudes on U.S. Foreign Policy
On Monday, September 22, 2008, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released a report of findings on American attitudes toward a number of important foreign policy issues. The findings show the American public is concerned about the country’s standing in the world and favors major changes in U.S. foreign policy.

• Americans believe the ability of the United States to achieve its foreign policy goals has decreased over the last few years and they think improving America’s standing in the world should be a very important goal of U.S. foreign policy;
• Americans support a number of changes in foreign policy including talking to enemies, making a deal with Iran, setting a timetable to withdraw forces from Iraq, using force against terrorist groups operating in Pakistan, participating in a new climate change treaty, and generally pursuing a more multilateral approach to U.S. foreign policy;
• While they favor policy changes, Americans are still committed to a robust U.S. presence in the world;

Short Report (PDF)
Press Release

American Attitudes on China’s Rise
On Wednesday, August 7, 2008, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released a report of findings on American attitudes toward the rising power of China. The report is based on the Council’s 2008 public opinion survey focusing on public attitudes on a variety of domestic and foreign policy topics. The survey findings provide an understanding of how Americans perceive China’s rising power and how the U.S. should deal with this change. 

• Americans believe China is catching up to the United States economically and they are becoming increasingly worried about the implications of this development on their country;
• China is now seen as the most influential country in the world following the United States;
• The number of Americans who think China’s economy will grow to be as large as that of the United States has risen sharply and a majority believes it practices unfair trade;
• A large majority still opposes active efforts to limit China’s rise instead favoring friendly cooperation and engagement;

Short Report (PDF)
Press Release