Brits View U.S. Under Trump as Greater Threat Than China or North Korea, Poll Finds

Britons increasingly perceive the United States under Donald Trump's potential leadership as a more significant threat to world peace than China or North Korea, according to a new poll. The survey also reveals a growing support for increased defense spending and a stronger relationship with Europe among the British public.

A majority of Britons, 74 percent, now view the U.S. as a serious threat to global peace, a substantial increase from 36 percent in 2024, prior to Trump's potential second inauguration. This figure places the U.S. on par with nations like Israel and Iran, and higher than North Korea (66 percent) and China (62 percent), though still below Russia (89 percent).

The findings, published by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) as part of the British social attitudes survey, suggest a psychological shift in Britain's worldview, influenced by events such as war in Europe, instability in the Middle East, and competition with China.

"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," said Sophia Gaston, the report's author and a British foreign policy researcher.

The survey also indicates a notable shift towards Europe, with 42 percent of Britons believing the country's interests are best served by a closer relationship with Western Europe, compared to only 9 percent who favor a closer relationship with the U.S. This represents a departure from the post-Brexit era, with a growing appreciation for practical ties with the European Union.

When specifically asked about military and defense interests, 46 percent of respondents favored a closer relationship with the EU, while only 10 percent chose the U.S. However, the report cautions against viewing defense in purely binary terms, noting that Britons recognize the need for diversified security alliances.

Support for increased defense spending has reached a record high, with 56 percent of Britons now in favor. This marks a significant rise from 28 percent in 2006. Generational differences persist, with older age groups showing stronger support for increased defense spending and military service compared to younger demographics. Specifically, 62 percent of those aged 55 and older support more defense spending, compared to 30 percent of those under 35.

The research was conducted before recent U.S. midterm elections, which saw Democrats gain control of Congress.

NatCen, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has been conducting the British social attitudes survey annually since 1983, making it the UK's longest-running survey of social and political attitudes.