Bruce Stokes

The United States is polarized and so are members of its major political parties, especially on foreign policy. Results of a Pew Research Study released on April 5 suggest that isolationist tendencies are tempered by recognition for the practical need for international engagement. “Wariness of international engagement coexists with unilateralist assertiveness on some issues and a belief that the United States is a force for good,” explains Bruce Stokes, director of global economic attitudes at the Pew Research Center. “For the most part, there is no evidence that the American public has become more isolationist, protectionist, or unilateralist in this election year—despite the raucous debates.” The survey suggests that, amid many global challenges, two thirds of Americans agree the next president should focus on domestic policies. Deep divisions in the electorate and within each party increase uncertainty, itself a threat for a strong economic comeback. While polarization will linger, Stokes concludes that the election results will influence the U.S. role in the world.

The U.S. primary season has slowly winnowed down the field of presidential candidates. “To date, the campaign debate has been dominated by multiple themes that could ultimately impact people outside the United States—trade, immigration, and terrorism, to name just a few,” explains Bruce Stokes, director of global economic attitudes at the Pew Research Center. Hillary Clinton, former U.S. secretary of state is Democratic Party’s front-runner after winning contests in five states on March 15. Donald Trump, real estate developer and television reality-show celebrity, leads among Republicans. A sharp divide between parties is reflected in public-opinion surveys: 31 percent of those polled cite trade as a top priority while 58 percent regard trade as beneficial for the country; half cite immigration as a priority while majorities of Democrats and Republicans support allowing undocumented immigrants to remain in the country. Terrorism shifted as a top priority, from 1 percent of respondents in 2014 to 75 percent early this year. Republicans and Democrats represent just over half of the U.S. electorate, and independents, about 40 percent, will help decide which candidate has the strength and skills to handle a range of global issues.