A new national survey suggests Australian attitudes toward the United States and global security are undergoing significant change, with many voters expressing deep concern about the international impact of US President Donald Trump.
The polling, conducted by YouGov for The Australia Institute, found that more than half of Australian voters believe Trump poses a greater threat to global security than Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to the survey of 1,502 Australians, 52 per cent of respondents said Trump represents a bigger threat to world peace than Putin (17 per cent) and Xi (16 per cent). The results mark a sharp shift from a similar poll a year earlier, when 31 per cent identified Trump as the greatest threat compared with 27 per cent for both Putin and Xi.
The poll also indicates declining confidence in the United States as Australia’s primary strategic partner. Nearly six in ten Australians (59 per cent) said Australia’s interests would be better served by a more independent foreign policy rather than a closer alliance with the United States, which was preferred by 23 per cent of respondents. Only 13 per cent described the US as a “very reliable” security ally.
Attitudes toward defence and security arrangements also featured prominently in the findings. One in three Australians (33 per cent) said the AUKUS security agreement is not in Australia’s best interests. The survey further found that 68 per cent of respondents oppose Australia’s involvement in a potential US and Israel conflict with Iran.
The results suggest these views extend across political lines. Among voters for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, 35 per cent said Trump is a bigger threat to world peace than Putin (18 per cent), while 32 per cent nominated Xi as the greatest threat.
Dr Emma Shortis, Director of the International and Security Affairs Program at The Australia Institute, said the findings point to a major shift in public sentiment. She argued the polling reflects growing concern about Australia’s strategic alignment and the risks of close involvement in US-led conflicts.
While polling measures public opinion rather than policy outcomes, the results highlight evolving Australian views on global leadership, alliances and national security during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
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