The world’s 190 nations are increasingly interconnected through travel, trade, and advanced technologies. The United States maintains diplomatic relations with most of them and with many international organizations as well. Foreign policy is the effort by American diplomats, government officials and others both at home and abroad to advance America’s interests in these global interactions. One key goal is to promote mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Other goals include ensuring access to key natural resources and markets, advancing the economic interests of U.S. business, and protecting American citizens from threats that originate outside the borders of the United States (such as terrorist groups and climate change).
Americans have shifted in their attitudes about the role of the United States in the world over the past eight years, including during President Trump’s term. However, support for the core pillars of US foreign policy—including alliances, international trade and a global military presence—remains strong. This suggests that Americans overall are unlikely to embrace a radical shift in US foreign policy no matter who wins the presidency in 2024.
The main reason for that stability is the continued widespread acceptance that America’s fundamental national interests—including maintaining a stable economy and security at home—require a continuing commitment to global engagement. Even among those who are most critical of the Obama and Biden administrations, more than six in ten still believe that alliances benefit both the United States and its allies (71%). Similarly, the majority of Democrats—and nearly as many independents—are willing to make decisions with allies even if those policies might not be their first choice (58% and 53%, respectively). Republicans are divided on this issue, reflecting messaging from Trump and his surrogates.