Perception of the USA as a serious threat has more than doubled in two years, finds new British Social Attitudes research

London, UK, Thursday 5th November – Three quarters of Britons (74%) now perceive the United States (US) as a serious threat to global peace, compared with just 36% in 2024, according to the latest British Social Attitudes survey (BSA), published today by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).

Although the 74% figure is well below the equivalent figure of 89% for Russia, it is similar to that for both Israel (78%) and Iran (75%), and somewhat higher than that for China (62%).

Against a backdrop of perceived geopolitical turbulence, 42% believe that, in general, Britain’s best interests are best served by a closer relationship with ‘Western Europe’, the BSA finds. Just 9% believe they are best served by a closer relationship with the USA. And when asked specifically which would be in Britain’s ‘military and defence’ interests, 37% opt for ‘Western Europe’ and 14% the USA, though 39% say ‘both equally’.

This suggests there is broad support for a “diversified approach to security alliances”, the report author argues, and not a desire simply to abandon the ‘special relationship’. In particular, 55% of Conservative and 54% of Reform supporters say ‘both equally’, though only 19% of Green supporters agree with them.

Instead of being asked to choose between ‘Western Europe’ and the USA, some respondents were asked instead to choose between the ‘European Union’ and the USA. Then, as far as Britain’s military and defence interests are concerned, as many as 46% picked a closer relationship with the EU, while only 10% selected the USA.

‘Britain's European orientation is seemingly more readily expressed when citizens are invited to think in institutional rather than purely geographical terms,’ says the report.

Sophia Gaston, British foreign policy researcher, geopolitical analyst and report author, said:

“It is certainly striking that three-quarters of the British public currently view our closest strategic partner, the United States, as a threat to global peace. This reflects concern about Washington’s foreign policy choices under President Trump and their wider economic and security consequences. There has historically been a degree of volatility in British attitudes towards the United States, and even under President Trump we have seen significant shifts in public opinion. It’s possible that we will see further change as we move closer to 2028.

“Ultimately, however, the past few years would appear to suggest that American politics itself is changing. While the balance of power in Washington may once again have shifted, that does not necessarily mean a return to the kind of alliance-focused US foreign policy that Europeans have been accustomed to. The longer-term question is whether the effects of this second Trump presidency extend beyond his term in office. If they do, we could see British attitudes becoming less instinctively Atlanticist and more European in outlook.”

Support for defence spending reaches record levels, yet generational differences remain

For the first time since the question was first asked, a majority of Britons favour increased defence spending. The proportion has doubled over the past two decades, rising from 28% in 2006 to 42% in 2022, and now stands at a record high of 56%.

Although Labour supporters (55%) remain less likely than Reform UK (83%) and Conservative supporters (76%) to favour increased spending, the gap between them has narrowed considerably. Only supporters of the Green Party are on balance more likely to say there should be less spending (47%) than to back increased spending (21%).

The gender gap has also narrowed significantly. Sixty per cent of men and 52% of women now support higher spending, compared with 55% and 40% respectively in 2025.

There is, however, evidence of a generational divide. Sixty-two per cent of those aged 55 and over support more defence spending, compared with 47% of those aged between 35 and 54, and only three in ten (30%) of those aged under 35. At the same time, only 22% of under-35s regard a willingness ‘to serve in the military at a time of need’ as important, little more than half the equivalent figure (43%) among those aged 55 and over.

Sophia, 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.”