How respondents answer 2 versions of an experimental question about global superpowers
% of U.S. adults who say __ is a global superpower

Note: All differences across forms are statistically significant. The unfiltered approach was a single open-ended question to which respondents could name up to six countries or select “None” or “Not sure.” Those who did not answer are not shown. The filtered approach reflects responses to two questions: one that asked if there are any global superpowers and an open-end that asked which countries are superpowers; respondents could name up to six countries or select “Not sure.” Figures for “Not sure” combine those who said this to either question. Those who said “Yes, there is at least one superpower” to the first question but did not answer the second question are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 23-29, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
How respondents answer 2 versions of an experimental question about global superpowers
% of U.S. adults who say __ is a global superpower
| Response | Unfiltered approach | Filtered approach | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 57 | 50 | -7 |
| China | 44 | 32 | -12 |
| Russia | 24 | 14 | -10 |
| U.K. | 8 | 3 | -5 |
| EU | 5 | 2 | -3 |
| Some other country | 17 | 8 | -9 |
| None | 11 | 14 | +3 |
| Not sure | 18 | 28 | +10 |
Note: All differences across forms are statistically significant. The unfiltered approach was a single open-ended question to which respondents could name up to six countries or select “None” or “Not sure.” Those who did not answer are not shown. The filtered approach reflects responses to two questions: one that asked if there are any global superpowers and an open-end that asked which countries are superpowers; respondents could name up to six countries or select “Not sure.” Figures for “Not sure” combine those who said this to either question. Those who said “Yes, there is at least one superpower” to the first question but did not answer the second question are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 23-29, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER