New PIPA/Knowledge Networks Poll Shows Resistance to Altered U.S. Role in World Affairs

Latest in a series of surveys indicates support for Iraq intervention remains strong

Menlo Park, CA; May 2, 2003: A new poll, commissioned by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) and conducted on the nationwide Knowledge Networks panel, reveals that consumers strongly endorse United States policies in Iraq, but are wary of using this approach as a template for dealing with other countries and conflicts.

Conducted between April 18th and 22nd among 865 Knowledge Networks panelists, this is the latest in a series of PIPA/KN studies tracking public opinion on the Iraq conflict and U.S. foreign policy. Knowledge Networks maintains the only Web-enabled research panel based on an RDD sample of the U.S. population.

The new research shows that 75% approve of the U.S. intervention in Iraq; this proportion remains unchanged from the last PIPA/KN poll, fielded in March. And roughly two-thirds believe the example of Iraq will make Iran (68%) and Syria (62%) less likely to produce weapons of mass destruction. (Respondents were divided on whether North Korea would also be deterred.)

But the idea of going to war with Syria received support from only one in five (21%) people; and two out of three (67%) said they favor removing U.S. troops from Saudi Arabia after Iraq has been stabilized. (The Bush Administration has since announced that it plans such a withdrawal.)

Asked what role the U.S. should play in the world, the response was largely the same as before the Iraq war: relatively few (12%) opted for the U.S. becoming "the preeminent world leader," while 76% said "the U.S. should do its share in efforts to solve international problems together with other countries."

To view the entire report, visit www.pipa.org.

The Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) is a group of social science researchers who study public opinion on international issues; it is a joint program of the Center on Policy Attitudes and the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland.

Knowledge Networks is the leader in high-quality, innovative market research. The company's unique Internet platform allows for quick turnaround of results and for the use of high-quality video and audio in surveys.

In conjunction with its expertise in brands, media, advertising, and analytics, Knowledge Networks uses its consumer panel and other resources to provide insights on consumer behavior and opinions. In addition to government and social policy work, Knowledge Networks specialties include media, brand health, segmentation, and research on pricing, product configuration and advertising.