Politics

Three-quarters of Brits see US as serious threat to world peace

A new survey has found that 74% of Brits believe the US to be a serious threat to world peace.

Research carried out by the National Centre for Social Research found that the number of Brits who perceive the US as a serious threat to global peace had more than doubled compared to two years ago, when it was 36%.

Brits now believe the US to be a bigger threat to peace than China (62%) but smaller than Iran (75%), Israel (78%) and Russia (89%).

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The survey also found that 42% of Brits think the UK’s best interests are served via a closer relationship with “western Europe” – compared to just 9% who feel a closer link with Trump’s America is for the best.

Sophia Gaston, foreign policy researcher and author of the report, said: “The post-Cold War peace that endured for so many years no longer shapes the country’s worldview.”

“War in Europe, instability in the Middle East, strategic competition with China and doubts about American leadership have led to a psychological shift in Britain, putting foreign policy and national security at the heart of the collective consciousness.”

“Britons have undoubtedly become more favourable towards Europe. In a clear break with the post-Brexit era, people have a clearer understanding of what the EU is and value practical ties in a world shaped by conflict.

“Yet it would be a mistake to conclude that the country sees defence in binary, ‘Europe versus America’ terms. Britons recognise the need for a diversified approach to security alliances; one built on balance, resilience and flexibility.”

Charlie Herbert

Charlie is content editor and writer at the London Economic. With a keen interest in politics, he has worked on both the 2019 and 2024 general elections, and joined TLE full time in January 2025. Since then, it's safe to say there's been plenty to keep him busy on both sides of the Atlantic.

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