A recent survey reveals a dramatic shift in British public opinion, with nearly three-quarters of Britons now viewing the United States as a serious threat to world peace over the coming decade. The finding, from the latest British Social Attitudes survey conducted by The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), marks a significant increase from just 36 percent in 2024 and places the U.S. perception close to that of nations like Israel and Iran.
The 2026 survey results indicate that 74 percent of the British public identifies the United States as a substantial threat. This figure represents a notable acceleration in sentiment, particularly when contrasted with historical data and recent geopolitical events. The survey was conducted through 1,985 interviews on the NatCen Opinion Panel between April 30 and May 31, 2026.
The report details a sharp fluctuation in the perception of the U.S. threat over the past two years. In spring 2025, following the return of President Donald Trump to office, the figure rose to 71 percent. It subsequently fell to 54 percent in autumn 2025, coinciding with a state visit by the U.S. President to Britain. However, the perception surged again to 74 percent after a period marked by disputes between the U.S. and NATO allies, particularly concerning Greenland, and the commencement of a joint U.S. and Israeli bombing campaign against Iran in February 2026. The latter operations involved American B-1 and B-52 bombers flying from RAF Fairford, a British air base, before their return to the United States in October 2026.
Beyond the United States, the survey also gauged public perception of other global powers as serious threats. Russia topped the list, with 89 percent of Britons seeing it as a serious threat, a significant rise from 41 percent in 1994. Israel was perceived as a serious threat by 78 percent, Iran by 75 percent, North Korea by 66 percent, and China by 62 percent. Saudi Arabia stood out as the only nation among the seven listed by fewer than three in five respondents, with 34 percent.
The report emphasizes the unprecedented nature of these findings, stating that “a clear majority regarding Britain’s most important ally in the post-war international order as a threat to global peace is undoubtedly novel.” The survey also uncovered significant political divisions in these perceptions, with Green Party supporters being 46 points more likely than Reform UK supporters to view the U.S. as a serious threat—the widest partisan gap observed for any country.
The survey also explored Britons’ preferences for international alliances. When asked generally, 42 percent believed Britain’s interests are best served by closer links with Western Europe, while only 9 percent opted for closer ties with the United States. Focusing specifically on military and defence interests, 37 percent chose Western Europe, 14 percent the U.S., and a substantial 39 percent believed both were equally important. Notably, 55 percent of Conservative supporters and 54 percent of Reform UK supporters favored an equal focus on both. When the question specifically named the European Union (EU) instead of “Western Europe,” support for the EU for defence links rose to 46 percent, while the U.S. option remained at 10 percent.
Sophia Gaston, the report’s author, provided insightful commentary on the evolving geopolitical landscape influencing these views. “The post-Cold War peace that endured for so many years no longer shapes the country’s worldview,” Gaston stated. “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.”
Gaston further elaborated on a discernible trend towards European engagement: “Britons have undoubtedly become more favourable towards Europe. In a clear break with the post-Brexit era, people have a clearer understanding of what the EU is and value practical ties in a world shaped by conflict.” However, she cautioned against a simplistic interpretation of this trend, adding, “Yet it would be a mistake to conclude that the country sees defence in binary, ‘Europe versus America’ terms. Britons recognise the need for a diversified approach to security alliances; one built on balance, resilience and flexibility.”
Further contextualizing the public’s heightened sense of vulnerability, a separate poll conducted by Adam Smith Insights in November 2025 found that 52 percent of Britons felt less safe than they did in 2021. This broader sentiment of insecurity likely contributes to the re-evaluation of traditional alliances and perceptions of global threats.
Why This Matters
The findings of the British Social Attitudes survey carry significant implications for international relations, UK foreign policy, and domestic politics. The dramatic shift in how a key NATO ally perceives the United States challenges the foundational premise of the “special relationship” and could reshape transatlantic dynamics at a critical juncture in global affairs.
Geopolitical Implications:For decades, the U.S. has been considered Britain’s most vital ally, a cornerstone of its post-war international order. The erosion of trust, indicated by 74 percent viewing the U.S. as a threat, introduces profound instability into Western alliances. In an era marked by conflict in Ukraine, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and strategic competition with China, a fractured transatlantic relationship could weaken collective security responses, empower revisionist states, and undermine efforts to uphold international norms. The perception of the U.S. as a destabilizing force, rather than a guarantor of stability, could encourage other allies to reconsider their own foreign policy alignments.
Impact on UK Foreign Policy:The British government faces a complex challenge. While traditionally aligning closely with the U.S., public opinion now clearly favors closer ties with Western Europe, particularly on defence. This divergence creates pressure to recalibrate foreign policy priorities. The UK may be compelled to deepen its engagement with the European Union and other European partners, seeking to build more diversified and resilient security alliances, as suggested by Sophia Gaston. This could manifest in increased investment in European defence initiatives, closer cooperation on diplomatic efforts, and potentially a more independent stance on issues where U.S. actions are perceived as detrimental to global peace or British interests, such as the Greenland dispute or the Iran bombing campaign.
Domestic Political Landscape:The survey highlights a significant partisan divide on critical foreign policy issues, particularly concerning the U.S. This polarization can complicate efforts to forge a coherent national security strategy and may become a prominent issue in future elections. Political parties will need to articulate clear positions on Britain’s role in the world and its preferred alliances, navigating public sentiment that appears increasingly skeptical of traditional allegiances. The post-Brexit context adds another layer of complexity, with the survey indicating a renewed public appreciation for practical ties with Europe, potentially influencing future debates about the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Global Security and Leadership:A decline in the perceived reliability and positive influence of the United States among its traditional allies carries broader implications for global security. If the world’s leading superpower is increasingly seen as a source of instability, it could lead to a vacuum in global leadership or encourage other powers to assert themselves more forcefully. This psychological shift in Britain, a nation with a historical role on the international stage, underscores a collective consciousness grappling with a multipolar world where established orders are being questioned, and the need for adaptive and flexible approaches to security is paramount.