Search The Council

Analysis from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs of the world’s largest economic entities reveals the economic influence of cities.

The inaugural Chicago Council Survey was conducted in December 1974 to seek and understand the views of the public and national leaders on a series of international questions.

The 1979 Chicago Council Survey found that the American people and leaders were interested in maintaining international involvement but were also concerned about hedging and restraining foreign commitments.

The 1982 Chicago Council Survey shows important disparities between public opinion and Reagan administration policies in defense spending, arms control, foreign aid, détente, and trade policy.

The 1986 Chicago Council survey showed the desire to protect American jobs or to secure access to energy still takes priority over altruistic objectives.

The 1994 Chicago Council survey indicates that American attitudes at both public and leadership levels reflect a "pragmatic internationalism."

The 1998 Chicago Council Survey results reflect a "guarded engagement" by a largely satisfied superpower.

The 2002 Chicago Council survey made it clear that 9/11 had a profound impact on the American mood and U.S. relationships with foreign countries.

The 2006 Chicago Council survey focused on U.S. and international public opinion on the rise of China and India and its implications on foreign policy.

The 2007 Chicago Council Survey broke new ground in international public opinion research to discover commonalities in public opinion around the world.

The 2008 Chicago Council Survey focuses on attitudes about foreign policy prior to the triggering of the international financial crisis in the fall of 2008.

The 2010 Chicago Council Survey shows that Americans remain committed to an active part in world affairs—its problems, opportunities, and key actors.

The 2012 Chicago Council Survey tracks public opinion on US foreign policy since the September 11 attacks, and includes an assessment of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The 2014 Chicago Council Survey of American public opinion and US foreign policy shows public support for an “Active” Role in world affairs.

The Council’s 2018 survey indicates that Americans support US engagement in world affairs, the largest majority since 1974—aside from after Sept. 11, 2001.