Defense & National Security

short readsSep 10, 2014

Indians among most likely in the world to see extremist groups as ‘major threat’

A 2013 poll we conducted showed that globally Indians are among the most likely to say that Islamic extremist groups pose a “major threat” to their country.
short readsSep 5, 2014

Journal Study: Half of government-rebel power-sharing agreements fail

Power-sharing agreements aimed at resolving conflicts within countries between governments and insurgent groups have a mixed record of success, according to a new study.
short readsAug 29, 2014

Russian poll: Putin faces limited opposition from his public on Ukraine

Despite criticism from the West on his actions in the Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin faces far fewer questions from a public that draws a distinction between support for separatist rebels and having a direct role in the continued violence in eastern Ukraine.
reportAug 28, 2014

As New Dangers Loom, More Think the U.S. Does ‘Too Little’ to Solve World Problems

Survey Report A large majority of Americans think the world is a more dangerous place than it was several years ago. And a terrorist group that was not even on the public’s radar a year ago – the Islamic militants known as ISIS or ISIL – today ranks near the top of its list of […]
reportAug 20, 2014

Who Are the Iraqi Kurds?

Kurds are playing a major role in the current conflict in Iraq, and are often mentioned alongside Iraq’s Sunni and Shia Muslim populations. But Kurds are an ethnic group, not a distinct religious sect within Islam; nearly all Iraqi Kurds consider themselves Sunni Muslims.
reportAug 18, 2014

Support for U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq; Concern About Getting Too Involved

As fighting rages in Iraq, most Americans (54%) say they approve of U.S. airstrikes against Islamic militants there, while 31% disapprove. But while the public backs airstrikes, there is widespread concern about the U.S. becoming too involved in Iraq. Overall, 51% say their greater concern about military action is that the U.S. will go too […]
short readsAug 12, 2014

Iraqi Yazidis: Hazy population numbers and a history of persecution

The Yazidis who have been fleeing the advance of the Sunni militant group ISIS in Iraq are a religious group of uncertain numbers and a long history of persecution.
reportJul 18, 2014

Most Think the U.S. Has No Responsibility To Act in Iraq

Survey Report As violence and chaos spreads in Iraq, the public is wary of U.S. involvement in the country. A 55% majority says the United States does not have a responsibility to do something about the violence in Iraq; 39% do see a responsibility to act. Overall public awareness of the situation in Iraq is […]
short readsJul 14, 2014

5 key takeaways on global views of the U.S. and China

A new Pew Research Center survey finds widespread opposition around the world to U.S. eavesdropping. Still, America’s overall image remains mostly positive. Here are five key takeaways.
reportJul 14, 2014

Global Opposition to U.S. Surveillance and Drones, but Limited Harm to America’s Image

Revelations about the scope of American electronic surveillance efforts have generated headlines around the world. A new Pew Research Center survey finds widespread decline in the view that the U.S. respects the personal freedoms of its people. But in most countries there is little evidence this opposition has severely harmed America’s overall image.