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.