Survey: 74% of Britons see the US as a serious threat to world peace
In the annual "British Social Attitudes" survey, 74% of Britons said the United States is a serious threat to world peace, up from 36% in 2024. Russia was rated the biggest threat by respondents.
Data from the annual British public opinion study "British Social Attitudes" show that 74% of people in the United Kingdom regard the United States as a serious threat to world peace. Two years earlier, in 2024, the figure was 36%, meaning it has more than doubled. The results were reported by Sky News and relayed by the Ukrainian outlet Ukrainska Pravda, citing European Pravda.
How other countries are viewed
Russia is seen as a serious threat to world peace by 89% of respondents, and China by 62%. Israel is considered a threat by 78% of Britons, and Iran by 75%.
Relations and defence
According to the survey, 42% of Britons believe the country's interests are best served by closer relations with Western Europe. Only 9% think closer ties with the US would serve them best. Asked what best matches the UK's military and defence interests, 37% chose Western Europe, 14% the US, and 39% said both options equally.
Another 56% of respondents support increasing UK defence spending.
Explanation
Sociologists point to a "psychological shift" in the UK in recent years. They link it to war in Europe, instability in the Middle East, strategic competition with China and doubts about American leadership.
The source recalls that it was previously reported that Britons would like Democrats to win the US midterm elections, and believe a Republican victory would be riskier for the world.
