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US Public Attitudes on the United Nations - UN Finance - Global Policy Forum US Public Attitudes on the United Nations
Americans and the World
July 30, 2001
Note: Click on the headings below for the actual survey results.
General Attitudes Towards the UN
The majority is strongly supportive of the UN and of US participation in it.
Strengthening the UN
The majority of Americans would like the UN to be stronger. Only a small minority are concerned that a stronger UN might compromise US sovereignty. Support for strengthening the UN exists though most Americans appear to grossly overestimate the magnitude of UN activities. Even some proposals for giving the UN the power to tax receive strong majority support.
Paying UN Dues
A majority favors the US paying its UN dues in full, including its UN peacekeeping dues. Candidates who favor paying UN dues are viewed more favorably than those who do not.
- UN Dues as a Portion of the Federal Budget
The majority feels the US spends too much on UN dues as a portion of the budget. However, this feeling appears to be largely based on misperceptions. When asked to specify an appropriate portion of the budget to go to the UN, most Americans set a level much higher than the actual amount,and when informed of the actual amount, a strong majority favors either maintaining or increasing it.
- UN Dues Relative to Other Countries
The majority feels the US spends too much on UN dues, relative to other major countries. However, this feeling appears to be based largely on misperceptions. When informed about what portion of UN dues the US pays, relative to other countries, and how it is set, the majority finds it appropriate.
- Withholding Dues to Press for UN Reforms
For the most part, a majority does not support withholding dues as a means of pressing the UN to make reforms, but if reforms are guaranteed an overwhelming majority would then support paying the dues.
- Family Planning Assistance Through the UN
A strong majority supports the US and other countries providing assistance for family planning through the United Nations.Using Military Force Through the UN
In the event that it is necessary for the US to use military force, whenever possible, a strong majority prefers to act through the UN rather than unilaterally. A plurality even prefers acting through the UN over acting through NATO.
Family Planning Assistance Through the UN
A strong majority supports the US and other countries providing assistance for family planning through the United Nations.The strongest reservations Americans have about the UN are about whether it is doing a good job in performing its functions. Assessments of UN performance have varied over the last decade. A strong majority has felt that the UN has been too passive in peacekeeping operations. However, the majority does not view the UN as worse than other major public institutions.
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