Areas of Common Ground
Despite partisan divides, most Americans agree on these key points:
- âś“America's military should be strong enough to deter adversaries
- âś“Terrorism and nuclear proliferation pose serious threats
- âś“Alliances with democracies generally serve American interests
+ 7 more areas of agreement below
What's the Challenge?
Americans debate how engaged the U.S. should be globally. Some advocate 'America First' policies focused on domestic priorities, while others argue international engagement protects American interests and values. Challenges include managing relationships with China and Russia, supporting allies in Europe and Asia, addressing terrorism and nuclear proliferation, and determining when and how to use military force. With conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and tensions over Taiwan, these questions have real consequences.
Where Most Americans Agree
America's military should be strong enough to deter adversaries
Terrorism and nuclear proliferation pose serious threats
Alliances with democracies generally serve American interests
China's growing military and economic power requires serious attention
American troops shouldn't be deployed without clear objectives and exit strategies
Diplomacy should be tried before military action when possible
Cybersecurity and protecting critical infrastructure matter
International trade should benefit American workers and companies
Veterans deserve full support and quality healthcare
Foreign aid should serve American interests and be spent effectively
Source: Pew Research Center Global Attitudes 2024, Chicago Council Survey
Current Perspectives from Both Sides
Understanding the full debate requires hearing what each side actually argues—not caricatures or strawmen.
Progressive Perspective
- •Military-industrial complex drives endless wars that cost trillions and countless lives
- •America must support Ukraine's democracy against Russian aggression and authoritarianism
- •Climate change is the greatest national security threat facing the world
- •Human rights and democracy should guide foreign policy, not just narrow interests
- •Defense budget is bloated while diplomacy and development are underfunded
- •America's role is to lead international cooperation, not act as world police
Conservative Perspective
- •Peace through strength—robust military prevents war more than diplomacy alone
- •America First means prioritizing our interests over endless foreign commitments
- •China is the primary threat requiring focus, not conflicts in Europe or Middle East
- •NATO allies must pay their fair share instead of relying on American protection
- •Biden's weakness invited Russian aggression in Ukraine and chaos in Afghanistan
- •International organizations undermine American sovereignty and should be resisted
These represent current talking points from each side of the political spectrum. Understanding both perspectives is essential for productive dialogue.
Evidence-Based Facts
U.S. defense spending exceeds $800 billion annually, more than the next 10 countries combined
Source: Department of Defense Budget
The U.S. has mutual defense treaties with over 50 countries including NATO members
Source: U.S. State Department
China's defense budget has grown over 700% since 2000
Foreign aid represents less than 1% of the federal budget
Source: Congressional Research Service
Russia, China, and North Korea have significantly expanded nuclear arsenals
Source: Arms Control Association
Learn More
Council on Foreign Relations
Nonpartisan foreign policy analysis and educational resources
CFR
Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Public opinion research on American views of foreign policy
Chicago Council
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Bipartisan policy research on national security and international affairs
CSIS
Questions for Thoughtful Debate
How should the U.S. respond to China's military expansion and human rights abuses?
What's America's responsibility to support democracies facing authoritarian aggression?
Should defense spending increase, decrease, or be reallocated?
When should the U.S. use military force vs. diplomacy and sanctions?
How do we balance international commitments with domestic priorities?
What role should NATO play 75 years after its founding?
How can the U.S. address nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran?