Beyond Internationalism: A Case for Multiple Dimensions in the Structure of Foreign Policy Attitudes

In: Social science quarterly, Band 59, Heft 3, S. 496-508

Abstract

Analysis is made of data collected in late 1974 by the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations by Louis Harris & Associates on public opinion of United States foreign policy. A sample of 1,513 responded to questions concerning international affairs. Policy issues were factor analyzed, using the principal components method. After throwing out variables with low correlations, the remaining 33 variables were factor analyzed, again using the principal components method with both varimax & oblique rotation. The results based on the varimax solution revealed 5 dimensions of foreign policy: (1) militarism, (2) involvement of the United States in world affairs, (3) world problems, (4) detente, & (5) support of the United Nations & other international organizations. People in higher education groups scored lower on the militarism dimension & higher on detente & international organizations. Persons with higher incomes were also inclined to support detente & international organizations. Mean scores for older people tended to be high in militarism, while younger people were more in favor of United States involvement. The South showed a high score in the militarism dimension & low in the detente. Party affiliation has an impact on scores within the militaristic area with independents being nonmilitaristic, Republicans being in favor of military involvement, & Democrats in between the two. Self-identified conservatives rated high on the militarism scale, low on involvement, & detente, & international organizations. Liberals were likely to be at the opposite end. 3 Tables. Modified HA.