Ratings of U.S. Foreign Policy Rise Sharply In Nearly Every Area Apparently Due to “Rally Effect”: Dealings With UN Only Area to Go Down

Abstract

In the March 22-25 PIPA-Knowledge Networks poll, the public’s ratings of U.S. foreign policy rose sharply in nearly every area. Given that these surges appeared in a wide range of areas—most of which have not had any new significant developments—it appears that they are likely part of the “rally” effect that often accompanies new military action, in which the public tends to suppress its criticism of U.S. leaders and policies. This effect has also been mirrored in the jump in the President’s approval rating found in other polls.