Perspective: Americans Embracing Global Engagement
For a long time, Americans have been labeled as indifferent to international affairs. However, as highlighted by Frida Ghitis, the narrative is shifting: it's high time to break free from that perception.
Frida Ghitis, a former CNN producer and correspondent, is a world affairs columnist. She is a weekly opinion contributor to CNN, a contributing columnist to The Washington Post and a columnist for World Politics Review. The views expressed in this commentary are her own. View more opinion on CNN.
For many years, American voters maintained a reputation of caring little about what happens in other countries.
Frida Ghitis
Frida Ghitis
In 2010, Jim Hoge, the experienced editor of Foreign Affairs magazine, observed that the American public has historically shown limited interest in global affairs over the course of 100, 150, or even 200 years.
Proof that American voters have not only awakened to the world but have become profoundly interested and concerned about what goes on beyond US borders is evident. This is seen in the Democratic primary in Michigan, where critics of President Joe Biden's support for Israel voted "uncommitted" to pressure him into changing his policies. Similarly, in the Republican primary, challenger Nikki Haley is criticizing former President Donald Trump for his "bone-chilling" comments about encouraging Russia to invade NATO allies due to defense spending shortfalls. It’s now time to retire that reputation.
Increasingly, 2024 is becoming a foreign policy election.
Even on domestic policy, one of the top issues is immigration, an area where foreign and domestic policy intersect.
Biden and Trump, the two men expected to go head-to-head, have more pronounced differences regarding America's global role and US foreign policy than any other nominees from the two main parties in recent history.
The two main contenders, Biden and Trump, have more pronounced disagreements concerning America's global role and foreign policy than any previous nominees of the two major parties. This has led to a heightened focus on international affairs by voters. The disparity between the candidates lies not so much in specific policies, but in a fundamental belief regarding the United States' position in the world, a defining characteristic of the nation since its inception.
Currently, an isolationist Trump is actively undermining US aid to Ukraine, urging his supporters in Congress to impede it. He openly displays disdain for American allies while expressing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders.
Biden, on the other hand, supports an active role for the United States on the global stage. He has bolstered US alliances and plans to further strengthen them, while showing support for democracy activists and criticizing Putin and other authoritarian leaders.
As two conflicts continue to escalate - the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas - the American public has become increasingly engaged in international affairs.
Citizens and families of fallen soldiers in Lviv, Ukraine, pay their respects to Ukrainian soldiers during a ceremony honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The solemn event took place at the Lychakiv Cemetery Field of Honor on February 24, 2024. 
Pavlo Palamarchuk/Anadolu/Getty Images
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One of the most striking polls of recent weeks confirms it.
Pew conducted a survey asking Americans about the importance of the conflicts between Hamas and Israel, Russia and Ukraine, and China and Taiwan to US national interests. An overwhelming 75% stated that these conflicts are either somewhat or very important to US national interests.
Interestingly, when participants were asked about the personal relevance of these conflicts, majorities expressed agreement. Specifically, 65% considered the Israel-Hamas war personally important, 59% felt the same about Russia and Ukraine, and 57% believed the tensions between China and Taiwan were personally significant.
Foreign policy has a lot of competition in the voters' minds, especially in this election where one candidate is facing multiple criminal indictments. Despite concerns about immigration, the economy, inflation, and social issues like access to abortion, foreign policy remains a key concern.
When CNN's polling asked US adults about their views on the US's involvement in Israel's war against Hamas, only 1% of respondents had "no opinion," highlighting the level of engagement among Americans.
Despite a growing number of Americans expressing concern that Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza has gone too far, the poll also revealed that support for the Jewish state remains strong. This issue has surprisingly brought together a country that is typically divided on many other issues, showing a common ground among the population.
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Only one-in-three Americans believe that the US is doing "too much" to help Israel, with the majority (66%) stating that it is doing "too little" or the "right amount." Similarly, a recent Gallup poll reflected similar sentiments, with 62% of respondents indicating that the US is providing the "right amount" or "too little" support for Israel, while 36% feel that the current level of assistance is "too much." Additionally, a Harvard-Harris poll revealed that 82% of Americans favor Israel over the 18% who support Hamas.
This indicates the complexity of the political landscape for President Biden in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Striking a balance between supporting Israel and appeasing the anti-Israel faction is crucial, as leaning too heavily towards one side risks alienating a significant portion of Israel's supporters.
Voters' interest in global affairs has experienced a significant shift that cannot be underestimated.
During President Barack Obama's second term inauguration in 2013, I eagerly listened to his speech for insights on foreign policy. As I observed, he devoted only a minute out of his 20-minute address to international matters. Despite mentioning the importance of resolving differences peacefully and maintaining strong alliances, the majority of his speech focused on other subjects.
The second term would focus sharply on domestic matters. "If only the world would cooperate," I noted skeptically.
It didn't. Within a few months, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad crossed Obama's "red line," using chemical weapons against his people. The war careened further into catastrophe. The Islamic State, ISIS, took control of large swaths of Syria and Iraq. Millions of refugees fled. Huge refugee flows paired with gruesome televised decapitation by ISIS terrorists, setting the stage for the rise of far-right, anti-Muslim, anti-immigration demagogues in Western democracies.
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I firmly believe that the series of events set off by the civil war in Syria and the insufficient reaction from the Western countries played a significant role in the ascension of Trump to power.
Obama's decision to prioritize domestic issues resonated with the sentiments of the country, as voters were placing global issues at a lower priority on their list. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had left US voters feeling drained and disheartened about the nation's involvement in global affairs.
The shift towards focusing on international issues is also influenced by the prevalence of social media, which exposes vivid images of distant suffering that were previously unseen. Additionally, there are other factors at play.
A Trump victory would not only reshape the United States but also send lasting reverberations worldwide during a period of unsettling change. Concerns among Americans about global events and the country's role in shaping them are prevalent. The outdated stereotype of the indifferent American voter towards global affairs can now be dismissed.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights a significant shift in American voters' attitudes towards global affairs. Historically perceived as indifferent, voters are now deeply engaged in international issues, with foreign policy playing a crucial role in the upcoming 2024 election. This is evident in the heightened focus on conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as the differing views of presidential candidates Biden and Trump on America's global role.
The article also explores the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict, demonstrating the challenges faced by President Biden in balancing support for Israel while addressing concerns about its actions in Gaza. It argues that the rise of social media and the vivid portrayal of distant suffering have contributed to this increased awareness and concern among American voters. The author concludes that the outdated stereotype of the indifferent American voter can now be dismissed, as voters are now highly engaged and informed about global events.
