U.S.

Public Opinion: Globalization Issues

Globalization in General
Overall, Americans tend to see globalization as somewhat more positive than negative and
appear to be growing more familiar with the concept and more positive about it. A large
majority favors moving with the process of globalization and only a small minority favors
resisting it. Americans view globalization as a process of the world becoming increasingly
interconnected. It is seen not only as an economic process, but also as one in which values
are becoming more oriented to a global context and international institutions are playing a
more central role.

Globalization of Values
In a variety of ways, Americans show that their values are oriented to a global context and
are not limited to a narrow concept of national interest. They show nearly the same level of
concern for suffering inside and outside the US.

Human Rights in General

Promoting International Human Rights
Human Rights and the UN System

• Abiding By US Labor Laws When Operating Outside US

Overwhelming majorities feel US companies operating outside the US should be
expected to abide by US laws on working conditions, even though they recognize
this would likely lead to higher prices.

• Abiding By US Environmental Laws When Operating Outside US

Overwhelming majorities feel US companies operating outside the US should be
expected to abide by US laws on the environment, even though they recognize this
would likely lead to higher prices.

• Trading With Poor Countries

Most Americans perceive that poor countries do not get a net benefit from
international trade, and support giving poor countries preferential trade treatment. A
strong majority supports lowering trade barriers with poor countries on a reciprocal
basis.

International Cooperation on Global Problems

To address global problems, a very strong majority supports increased international
cooperation. Support is strong for international institutions dealing with global problems like
terrorism, the environment, and human rights issues. Only a small minority prefers to see the
US tackle these problems on its own.

International Intervention in the Internal Affairs of States

To address global problems, a strong majority supports international intervention in the
internal affairs of countries to deal with terrorism, environmental issues, and especially
when atrocities are being committed or civilians are suffering as a result of war.
 • International Environmental Agreements
A strong majority thinks there should be international agreements on environmental
standards, and that the US should abide by them. When given arguments for and
against making more international agreements on the environment, a strong majority
finds arguments in favor to be convincing, while a majority rejects arguments against
the idea as unconvincing.

The Spread of American Popular Culture

Americans show awareness that American popular culture is having a major impact on the
world, but the majority does not show any desire to spread American culture. Americans
show modest enthusiasm for American popular culture, but most reject the idea that it poses
a threat to other cultures. The spread of American culture is not seen as a major cause for
terrorism.

America on China (economically and militarily)

Americans perceive China as one of the most influential countries and believe that this
power and influence will grow. Americans do show some concern about the emergence of
China as a world power, but it is not a top concern. A majority views China as an economic
competitor, but still Americans lean toward viewing China’s growing economic power as
something positive, though a large majority are concerned about job losses to China.
Americans do not perceive China as a critical military threat even over the next decade, but
they do perceive a potential long term military threat and show substantial discomfort with
the prospect of China significantly increasing its military power.
Organization: Pew Research Center Date: As noted

(Some people say they are worried about various things, while others are not. I am going to read
you several statements. For each statement, please tell me if this is something that you worry
about a lot, is this something you worry about somewhat or is this something you do not worry
about.)...The growing power of China may be a threat to the United States.

3/08 9/07 9/06 1/06

Worry a lot 32% 30% 30% 29%

Worry somewhat 38 40 38 38
Don't worry 26 28 31 32
Don't know 3 1 1*

As Found On (WorldPublicOpinion.org – Americans and the World Digest):

http://www.americans-world.org/digest/global_issues/globalization/gz_summary.cfm