Growing Concerns Over Foreign Policy in 2024 for Americans, AP-NORC Poll Reveals
In light of ongoing overseas conflicts, a recent AP-NORC poll indicates a heightened emphasis on foreign policy as a top priority for the U.S. government in 2024. The survey shows a notable increase in the number of Americans expressing concerns about international issues and immigration. About 40% of U.S. adults identified foreign policy-related topics in response to an open-ended question, doubling the figure from the previous year’s poll.
While economic worries persist as a dominant theme, the poll suggests a growing unease regarding U.S. involvement overseas, with 20% expressing this sentiment compared to 5% in the previous year’s poll. The Israeli-Hamas conflict also gained prominence, cited by 5%, in contrast to negligible mentions in the previous year. The poll highlights a bipartisan trend, with 46% of Republicans and 34% of Democrats considering foreign policy a focal point, up from 23% and 16%, respectively, in the previous year.
Concerns about immigration have also risen on a bipartisan level, with an overall increase from 27% to 35% in the past year. A majority of Republicans (55%) prioritize immigration as a government focus for 2024, compared to 22% of Democrats, reflecting an uptick from 45% and 14% in December 2022.
The intersection of foreign military aid and immigration policy emerges as a complex issue, with the Biden administration’s $110 billion aid package facing hurdles in Congress while Republicans advocate for changes in immigration policy and enhanced border enforcement.
Despite the growing prominence of immigration and foreign policy, the economy remains the overarching concern for the majority, with 76% of U.S. adults expressing a desire for the government to address economic issues in 2024. The poll underscores a consistent gloomy outlook on the economy, even as inflation decreases and unemployment remains low.
While personal financial issues have slightly decreased in mentions, the economy remains a top priority for various age groups, with 84% of 18- to 29-year-olds and 85% of Republicans emphasizing its importance. Inflation, government spending, and debt are specific economic aspects where Republicans are more inclined to seek government intervention compared to Democrats.
Despite incremental improvements in personal financial mentions, only 25% of U.S. adults anticipate 2024 to be a better year than 2023, and confidence in the federal government’s ability to address critical issues remains low, with just 5% expressing high confidence. The sentiment of disillusionment is palpable, as some individuals contemplate abstaining from participation in the upcoming presidential election.
The poll, conducted from November 30 to December 4, 2023, surveyed 1,074 adults using the NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4.0 percentage points for all respondents.
Source: AP NEWS
