Pew Research Survey: Americans view NATO and Ukraine positively, see Russia as an enemy

Pew Research recently released a report on how the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significantly influenced American perspectives on Russia, Ukraine, and NATO, potentially shaping the country's foreign policy in the future.

Views on Russia

There has been a marked shift in American attitudes towards Russia, with the overwhelming majority of Americans (91%) holding an unfavorable opinion of the country, compared to just 7% who view Russia positively. The 2014 invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and the subsequent death, destruction, and displacement it has caused, has contributed to this negative view. Additionally, the Russian government's interference in the 2016 US presidential election has fueled concerns about Russia's intentions and its impact on American democracy. As a result, it is likely that the US will adopt a more confrontational stance towards Russia in the future.

Views on Ukraine

Conversely, American attitudes towards Ukraine have become more favorable in recent years, with 64% holding a positive view of the country, compared to 34% who view it negatively. The Ukrainian people's resilience in the face of Russian aggression has inspired many Americans, as has the Ukrainian government's commitment to democracy and human rights. As a result, the US is likely to provide Ukraine with increased military and financial support going forward.

Views on NATO

Finally, American attitudes towards NATO have also become more positive, with 62% expressing a favorable opinion of the organization, compared to 35% who view it negatively. NATO's role in supporting Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression has contributed to this shift, as has Russia's threats to use nuclear weapons against NATO countries. As a result, the US is likely to increase its support for NATO and work to strengthen the alliance in order to counter Russian aggression.

U.S. leaning toward isolationism

A majority of Americans (55%) believe that the U.S. should pay less attention to issues overseas and focus on problems at home. Republicans are much more likely to hold this view than Democrats, with seven-in-ten Republicans expressing this view compared to only a third of Democrats. Younger Americans and those with a high school education or less are also more likely to hold this view. Views also vary by race and ethnicity, with Black and Hispanic Americans more likely to believe the U.S. should focus on domestic issues than White and English-speaking Asian Americans. Americans who negatively rate the economic situation and express dissatisfaction with democracy in the U.S. are also more likely to hold this view.

Click here to read the full report.