the adults in both parties more likely to say it would be acceptable if another country became as militarily powerful as the U.S. % who say U.S. policies should try to keep it so America is the only military superpower
When it comes to America’s status as a military superpower, a majority of adults (61%) say that U.S. policies should try to maintain the country’s position as the only military superpower, while 36% say it would be acceptable if another country were to become as militarily powerful.
Mirroring age divides in attitudes about U.S. exceptionalism, younger adults are more likely than older adults to say it would be acceptable if another country became as militarily powerful as the U.S.
A narrow majority (55%) of Democrats under age 30 say it would be acceptable if other nations became as militarily powerful as the U.S., while Democrats ages 30 to 49 are divided on this question. Democrats 50 and older are more likely to say policies should try to keep it so the U.S. remains militarily superior than to say it would be acceptable for another country to gain similar military strength (57% vs. 39%).
Though a majority of Republicans across age groups say that U.S. policies should try to keep it so America is the only military superpower, 38% Republicans under 30 say it would be acceptable if another country became as military powerful as the U.S., compared with smaller shares among older Republicans.
the adults in both parties more likely to say it would be acceptable if another  | country became as militarily powerful as the U.S.  | % who say  | U.S. policies should try to keep it so America is the only military superpower  | It would be acceptable if another country became as militarily powerful as the U.S  | Total  | Rep/Lean Rep  | Dem/Lean Dem  | 61  | 36  | 74  | 23  | 51  | 46  | Ages 18-29  | 50  | Ages 18-29  | 60  | 38  | Ages 18-29  | 55  | 48  | 44  | 30-49  | 30-49  | 30-49  | 59  | 39  | 73  | 25  | 48 49  | 50-64  | 50-64  | 50-64  | 67  | 29  | 78  | 19  | 58  | 38  | 65+  | 65+  | 79  | 65+  | 39  | 68  | 27  | 17  | 54  | Note: -No answer responses not shown.  | Source: Survey of U.S adults conducted Sept 3-15 2019.  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 