Americans Doubt U.S.’s Role as Global Moral Leader, China Gains Ground

The notion of the United States as a moral compass for the world has long been debated among its citizens. Recent findings from an NPR/Ipsos poll reveal a stark contrast between aspirations and perceptions regarding America’s global moral leadership.

In a survey that covered a broad demographic of Americans, 61% expressed the belief that the U.S. ought to be a moral leader on the global stage. However, only 39% feel that the country currently fulfills this role, a significant drop from 60% in a similar 2017 survey (source).

Interestingly, nearly half the populace prefers that the U.S. refrain from intervening in the internal matters of other nations. This sentiment was captured before the U.S. military’s January operation in Venezuela, which led to Nicolás Maduro’s capture. A separate Ipsos/Reuters poll on the event shows that public opinion is divided: one-third approve, another third disapprove, and the remaining are uncertain.

The survey also highlights how Americans view their country’s foreign policy. While 46% prioritize domestic enrichment, 32% support advocating for democracy and human rights abroad—down from 42% in 2017. This poll was conducted with 1,021 participants and has a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points.

U.S. Influence vs. China’s Rising Power

While many Americans still view the U.S. as the preeminent military power, with 64% supporting this view, half believe that the country is losing its global influence. Divergent political opinions surface here, with Democrats and independents more likely to view America’s influence as waning.

Meanwhile, 57% of survey participants perceive China as gaining international influence. Technological leadership is another area where China is seen favorably, with 40% of Americans recognizing China as the leader in this domain compared to just 23% for the U.S.

The first year of President Trump’s second term has introduced tensions with longstanding allies and partners, such as NATO, while economic tariffs and military campaigns in regions such as Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela have marked his tenure.

Mallory Newall, Ipsos’ vice president of public affairs, notes the polarization in views of America’s moral leadership: “Americans overwhelmingly believe that the U.S. should be the world’s moral leader. However, the current assessment is less rosy. Just 2 in 5 believe the U.S. is actually fulfilling this role, which represents serious erosion from 2017. What’s more, there is significant partisan division here. Democrats have grown much more pessimistic about the standing of the U.S. on the world stage, while Republicans still see America as a moral leader.”

Partisan Divides on Foreign Policy and Ukraine Support

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The survey reveals distinct partisan divisions on U.S. foreign policy goals. A significant majority of Republicans (67%) and 45% of independents believe American foreign policy should focus on national enrichment, while only 29% of Democrats agree.

Conversely, 52% of Democrats prioritize democracy and human rights promotion abroad, a view shared by only 16% of Republicans. Regarding Ukraine, 60% of Democrats and 43% of independents feel that the U.S. support for Kyiv is insufficient, whereas 31% of Republicans consider it excessive.

Uncertainty Surrounds Potential Defense of Taiwan

American public opinion remains divided on the U.S. role in international conflicts, particularly concerning Taiwan. According to the survey, 36% of Americans believe in the U.S.’s responsibility to defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression, including potential military involvement. However, a notable 41% remain unsure, reflecting the complexity and uncertainty of the issue.

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