Asia Matters for America Poll Analysis

Special Series: Asia Matters for America Public & Elite Opinion Poll Analysis

Asia

Asia Matters for America Poll Analysis is a series of short articles exploring the results of the recent survey by the East-West Center and conducted by the NORC at the University of Chicago on American perspectives on US-Asia relations. Authors examine a segment of the results from the report regarding trade, tourism, international students, immigration, human rights, national security, and sister city relationships to attempt to understand how Americans believe Asia matters to their state.

Regional Perceptions of the US-Asia Economic Relationship in the United States

BY SPENCER GROSS | Read Analysis

This analysis highlights the disconnect between elites and their constituents regarding the economic benefits accrued from both trade and investment between the United States and Asia, particularly along regional lines.

United States Perceptions Towards Asian International Students

BY JAE CHANG | Read Analysis

This analysis reveals elites and the general population perceive Asian international students differently, with a similar divide between Republicans and Democrats.

Disconnect Between Trade Benefits with Asia and the Importance of the Asian Economy

BY MIMI MACKILLIGAN | Read Analysis

The findings of this analysis suggest a disconnect between perceptions of the benefits of trade with countries in Asia and the importance of the Asian economy. Respondents generally believed trade with Asian countries benefits their state, but there is less consensus that the Asian economy matters to their states.

Public Perceptions of the Benefit of Asian Tourism to the United States

BY RYAN RODEN | Read Analysis

This analysis shows a disconnect between opinions of the benefit of Asian tourism and the economic impact of Asian tourism. The general population outside of the Western United States does not see the benefit of Asian tourism to their states, even if the benefit is evident in economic data on money spent by Asian tourists.

Political Consensus Around Cooperation With Asian Countries to Combat Climate Change?

BY RUIVALDO FREITAS VIANA | Read Analysis

This analysis shows that the benefit of cooperation between the United States and Asia in tackling climate change does not translate to everyone consistently. In particular, these opinions fall on demographic groups such as politics, race, education and geography.

Differences in How American Elites Perceive Free Trade Agreements

BY MICHAEL DI GIROLAMO | Read Analysis

This analysis shows that free trade agreements are viewed in divergent ways depending on one’s gender, political affiliation, geographic location, and the nature of the agreement. Many Americans are ambivalent about FTAs, meaning the nature of free trade with Asia is not well understood by many Americans.

US Public Perceptions of Sister City Relationships with Asian Countries

BY SARAH WANG | Read Analysis

This analysis highlights the need to bring US sister relationships with Asia to the forefront. Half of those surveyed, including 59% of those employed in the public sector, were not sure if their state or locality had a sister partnership with an Asian country, despite the many benefits of such relationships.

American Perceptions of Human Rights Promotion in Asia

BY MAHEEN ZAHID | Read Analysis

This analysis shows that Americans’ views on the United States’ foreign policy vary across politics and regions. However, promotion of human rights abroad is an agenda with wide, consistent support.