Partisanship is a major factor in a new Pew Research Center survey showing that a growing number of Americans believe the U.S. is less respected in the world and plays a less important role globally than 10 years ago.
Highlights from the report, "Public Sees U.S. Power Declining as Support for Global Engagement Slips." For the first time in nearly a half century of polling, a majority agrees that the United States should mind its own business internationally.
Growing numbers of Americans believe that U.S. global power and prestige are in decline. And support for U.S. global engagement has fallen. Yet, despite these reservations, most Americans say greater U.S. involvement in the global economy is a good thing.
While the American public increasingly has been looking inward after years of economic stress at home and a decade of wars abroad, they have a keen awareness of the challenges posed to the U.S. by China in the superpower competition between the two countries.
Explore the global image of two of the world's leading economic powers, the United States and China.
The U.S. is still seen as the world’s leading economic power by pluralities or majorities in 22 of the 39 countries polled. China is seen as dominant in eight countries, with the remaining nine divided in their opinions.
While publics around the world believe China’s economic power is rising, it has not led to more positive ratings for the country.
More than half of Americans say it's very important to be "tough" with China on economic and trade issues -- about as many who say "building a strong relationship" with China is very important.
