U.S. Public Views of International Involvement from 1964 to 1993

Abstract

Differing views about the nature of public opinion are central to the debate concerning public influence on foreign policy. This study examines U.S. public opinion on the fundamental issue of the extent to which the nation should be involved in activity beyond its borders. The author develops annual time-series measures of two distinct views of internationalism—general internationalism and militant internationalism—in the period from 1964 to 1993. Time-series regression analyses indicate that changes in public support for general and militant internationalism correspond to changes in public views of the important issues of the day. The analyses reveal less support for militant internationalism associated with a higher percentage of liberal ideological identification in the years from 1964 to 1989. Overall, this research supports the view that aggregate changes in public support for internationalism are consistent and predictable.