Younger Americans are far less likely than older generations to say the United States should play an active role in world affairs, according to new survey data from Pew Research Center.
A Pew survey conducted Nov. 17–30 found that just 39% of adults ages 18 to 29 say it is extremely or very important for the U.S. to be active internationally. Among adults ages 30 to 49, that figure rises slightly to 44%. By contrast, 59% of adults ages 50 to 64 and 73% of those 65 and older say active U.S. engagement in world affairs is important.
Overall, 53% of Americans say it is extremely or very important for the U.S. to take an active role on the global stage.
The generational divide shows up across party lines. Among Republicans, 38% of those under 50 say active international involvement is important, compared with 63% of Republicans 50 and older. Democrats show a similar pattern, with 48% of those under 50 expressing that view, compared with 72% of Democrats ages 50 and older.
Partisan differences exist, but they are smaller than age gaps. About 59% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say global engagement is extremely or very important, compared with 50% of Republicans and Republican leaners. Only small shares in both parties say it is not important at all.
Views also differ sharply by age when it comes to military power. Just 38% of Americans overall say it is extremely or very important for the U.S. to remain the world’s only military superpower. Younger adults are much less likely to prioritize military dominance, with about a quarter of those under 30 saying it matters. That share climbs to 52% among adults 65 and older.
Republicans are roughly twice as likely as Democrats to value U.S. military supremacy. About 53% of Republicans say it is extremely or very important for the U.S. to be the sole military superpower, compared with 25% of Democrats. Still, younger Republicans are less supportive than older ones, mirroring the broader generational trend.
Pew researchers say the findings reflect a consistent pattern seen in recent years, with younger Americans expressing more restraint about the country’s role abroad and less emphasis on military dominance than previous generations.
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