A recent survey conducted by Emerson College Polling on behalf of the Association of Marshall Scholars has unveiled a significant generational divide in American perceptions of the U.S.-U.K. “special relationship”. The 2024 poll, which surveyed 1,100 U.S. residents from September 2 to 4, reveals that while older Americans continue to view the United Kingdom as a crucial ally, younger Americans increasingly prioritise China.
According to the findings, 36% of U.S. residents under 30 now rank China above the U.K. as America’s most valuable strategic partner. This marks a notable shift from 2019, when only 28% of young Americans held this view. The percentage of young respondents favouring China has steadily increased, rising to 30% in 2023 and further to 36% in 2024. In stark contrast, only 4% of respondents over 70 see China as a more significant partner than the U.K. Over half (57%) of the older demographic view the U.K. as the most important ally, compared to just 27% of the youngest respondents.
The survey highlights that while the majority of Americans still consider the U.S.-U.K. relationship “very important”, there is a clear generational gap. Only 44% of those under 30 agree with this sentiment, compared to 74% of Americans over 70.
Dr. Nell Breyer, Executive Director of the Association of Marshall Scholars, noted, “Younger Americans do not appear to value the U.S.-U.K. strategic alliance in the way that older generations do. The results suggest a shifting attitude among younger people towards traditional U.S. partners and allies.”
Despite these shifting perceptions, a strong consensus exists on the importance of transatlantic leadership for global security. More than 70% of respondents in both 2023 and 2024 consider support from NATO member countries for Ukraine as crucial for global stability and democracy. Similarly, U.S. and U.K. support for Israel is deemed important by over 70% of respondents, though this view is less pronounced among younger individuals, with only 60% of those under 30 agreeing compared to 86% of those over 70.
The survey also highlights divisions in U.S. domestic politics concerning the U.S.-U.K. relationship. When asked which presidential candidate would better support the alliance, voters were evenly split between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with 44% each. However, Independent voters showed a slight preference for Harris, with 42% believing she would be better for the U.S.-U.K. relationship, compared to 36% for Trump.
As generational attitudes towards the U.S.-U.K. alliance evolve, the survey underscores the importance of initiatives like the Marshall Scholarship. These educational exchange programmes foster personal connections and deepen understanding of shared values, which are crucial for maintaining the strength of the U.S.-U.K. partnership amid changing global dynamics.
The Association of Marshall Scholars highlights the need for continued cross-cultural engagement to bridge the gap between older and younger generations, ensuring that the historic ties between the U.S. and U.K. remain robust in the face of emerging challenges.
For more details on the survey and its findings, visit the Association of Marshall Scholarship’ website
