Download the graphic presentation: 28.02.22 EN – Comparative survey USA – Romania

Most Americans support sending US troops to Romania and Poland to help deter Russian threats

Most Romanians consider that, in the event of an attack, Romania should help to defend another NATO member state

The think tank STRATEGIC Thinking Group (www.strategicthinking.ro) initiated a comparative research project consisting of two opinion polls conducted in the United States and Romania. The project’s goal was to measure the public opinion regarding the involvement of the two countries and their military forces in supporting other NATO states in the event of an attack. The two opinion polls were conducted by The Bullfinch Group (www.thebullfinchgroup.com) in the United States and by INSCOP Research (www.inscop.ro) in Romania.

Remus Ștefureac, President of STRATEGIC Thinking Group: “The comparative data shows strong support of the Americans and the Romanians for the involvement of their country in defense of another NATO member state in case of an attack. Moreover, the poll reveals that the US population strongly supports sending American troops to Romania and Poland to deter recent threats from Russia. Beyond the US authorities’ strong messages of support for the security of Romania and the concrete actions that quickly followed them (American troops and equipment already deployed in Romania), the fact that the American public strongly agrees with the measures for supporting NATO member states in the face of Russia’s threats and aggressive attacks gives confidence in a critical period when the sense of security in the region is severely affected. It is also noteworthy the clear and massive support of Romanians for implementing Article 5 of the NATO Treaty – an armed attack on one or more NATO members shall be considered an attack on all members. The conclusion we can draw is that Russia’s terrible aggression seems to have provoked both the solidarity of the leaders of the democratic world and, most important, a formidable mobilization of the peoples of the free world.”

Brett Loyd, President, and CEO of The Bullfinch Group: ”The Data collected in the United States shows no significant opposition of the population to the US defense of NATO countries or to the sending of American troops to allied countries such as Romania or Poland to deter Russian threats. On the contrary, the support of the American people is very high, even considering that traditionally, foreign policy is unknown territory for many Americans, which explains the slightly higher share of the ”unsure” answers.”

 

Survey findings in the US:

Only 15% of Americans oppose US involvement in defending another NATO state if attacked.

Considering that ”according to the NATO treaty, an armed attack against one or more of the NATO members in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against all of them,” 57% of respondents believe that, as a NATO member state, the US should get involved in defending another NATO member state if it is attacked. 15% believe that the US should not get involved, and 28% of the total sample are undecided.

Ask if they agree with sending US troops to NATO allies such as Romania or Poland to help deter Russia’s recent threats, 57% of respondents are in favor, 27% are against, and 16% are undecided.

Survey findings in Romania:

70% of the Romanians agree that Romania should be involved in defending another NATO member country if it is attacked

Considering that, ”according to the NATO treaty, an armed attack against one or more of the NATO members in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all,” 70% think that, as a NATO member state, Romania should be involved in defending another NATO member country if it is attacked. 25% think Romania should not be involved, and 5% don’t know or don’t answer.

Asked if they agreed or disagreed with sending the Romanian army to NATO allies to help deter threats from Russia, 60% agree, 36% are against such an idea and 3,9% don’t know or don’t answer.

 

Methodology

The national opinion poll in the United States was conducted by The Bullfinch Group (www.thebullfinchgroup.com) in partnership with INSCOP Research (www.inscop.ro), as part of a research project initiated by the think tank STRATEGIC Thinking Group / Strategic Thinking Group (www.strategicthinking.ro ).

The data was collected between February 19-23, 2022 through telephone interviews, the volume of the sample being 1044 registered voters.

The maximum permissible data error is ± 3%.

The Romanian national opinion poll was conducted by INSCOP Research (www.inscop.ro) in partnership with Verifield, as part of a research project initiated by STRATEGIC Thinking Group (www.strategicthinking.ro)

The data were collected between February 21-25, 2022, using CATI method (telephone interviews).

The volume of the sample was 1050 people, representative for the population of Romania, aged 18 and over.

The maximum permissible data error is ± 3%.

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STRATEGIC THINKING GROUP (www.strategicthinking.ro) is an avant-garde think tank that aims to provide an active civic platform dedicated to encouraging reflection and strategic thinking through in-depth analyzes studies and research. STRATEGIC THINKING GROUP supports public debates based on the rigorous use of scientific data and structured assessments to make solid contributions for development and progress in relevant fields in the public and private sectors.

The Bullfinch Group is a non-partisan polling company located in Washington DC, specialized in independent sociological research and strategic orientation.

INSCOP Research is one of the most active and respected polling companies in Romania, a company that has rigorous ethical standards, recognized for the quality and impartiality of its products. INSCOP Research’s studies are quoted in thousands of articles in Romania and worldwide, in national and international official reports, in prestigious Romanian and international think-tanks reports, or in academic journals. INSCOP Research – Romania and The Bullfinch Group concluded a collaborative partnership in conducting sociological studies in Romania and other countries in the region and the United States of America. The two companies collaborate to develop a set of innovative methodologies.

 

Download the graphic presentation: 28.02.22 EN – Comparative survey USA – Romania