Nationwide Poll Warns That Americans Believe Moral Authority and Ability to Influence World is Eroding

On Wednesday, May 16, the American Security Project will release the results of its 2000-voter nationwide survey of public attitudes on national security during a 9:30 am press conference at the National Press Club. The results of the survey reveal a country that is tired of war, concerned about the country’s loss of moral authority, and receptive to new approaches to national security, stressing multilateralism over a go-it-alone approach.

(PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- On Wednesday, May 16, the American Security Project (www.americansecurityproject.org) will release the results of its 2000-voter nationwide survey of public attitudes on national security during a 9:30 am press conference at the National Press Club. The study was conducted by Marttila Communications Group between April 30 and May 6, 2007.

The results of the survey reveal a country that is tired of war, concerned about the country’s loss of moral authority, and receptive to new approaches to national security, stressing multilateralism over a go-it-alone approach.

Americans believe we are losing the “war on terror” by a 51 to 34 percent margin and losing the war in Iraq by an even greater 62 to 27 percent margin. A plurality of the public, 44 percent, believe we are losing in Afghanistan, compared to 38 percent who believe we are winning. A majority, 57 percent, believe we are slipping backwards in Afghanistan.

However, even in light of the war fatigue, this survey also demonstrates that Americans remain committed to participation in world affairs. By a nearly 2:1 ratio, most support U.S. engagement through multilateral actions and international organizations.

Nearly two thirds of all those surveyed, 62 percent, believe that America’s moral authority in the world has declined since 2001. A remarkable 93 percent believe that declining moral authority is a serious challenge to American national security – a belief that extends across all demographics and political affiliations.

Americans remain concerned about the risks of future terrorist attacks. Of those surveyed, 49 percent believe the war in Iraq has increased the likelihood of an attack against the United States. Even more striking, 72 percent of Americans believe there will be another terrorist attack inside the United States within the next two years.

The full results of the survey will be released Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at the National Press Club beginning at 9:30 am. This survey was paid for by the American Security Project, a bi-partisan, not-for-profit think tank dedicated to developing and communicating innovative approaches to national security.

For more information please visit www.americansecurityproject.org.

Contact:

Alise Frye

202-347-3115

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