Americans on Africa: Poll Shows American Public Supports Stronger Engagement With Africa

Abstract

Despite the fact that America’s conflicts with Iraq, North Korea and al-Qaeda have dominated headlines, the American public believes that the US should increase its engagement with Africa in a variety of ways. An overwhelming 74% rejected the argument that “The US has no vital interests in Africa. Therefore the US should make Africa a lower priority when deciding where to distribute its aid,” while only 23% found it convincing. A 44% plurality said that the US is not concerned enough with Africa, while just 12% said that it was too concerned.