Poll: Public Believes Many Countries Still Secretly Pursuing WMD, Favors Addressing Problem by Enhanced Arms Control Efforts 4/15/2004
From: Steven Kull of University of Maryland Program on International Policy Attitudes, 202-232-7500; Info@pipa.org or http://www.pipa.org COLLEGE PARK, Md., April 15 -- Despite recent progress in Pakistan, Libya and Iran in stemming the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the median American estimates that there are still approximately 10 countries with secret programs for developing weapons of mass destruction, according to a new PIPA/Knowledge Networks poll conducted in conjunction with the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland. To address the problem, the majority favors enhanced arms control efforts rather than a reliance on the threat of military force. Asked what is "the more important lesson to be learned from the recent discovery that scientists in Pakistan have transferred nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea, and Libya," 73 percent said, "the U.S. shouldgiv(e) international agencies more power to conduct intrusive inspections," while just 23 percent said, the U.S. should realize such efforts are ineffective and "put more emphasis on the U.S. threat to use military force against countries that try to develop nuclear weapons." Very large majorities favored taking a number of new steps in support of multilateral efforts to stem proliferation. A near unanimous 92 percent favored giving international inspectors the power to examine biological research laboratories in all countries, including the U.S., to determine if they are abiding by the treaty against biological weapons, and 74 percent incorrectly assumed that the U.S. favors inspections, too. Very large majorities favored ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty even after hearing administration arguments against it. Majorities favored deep cuts in the U.S. nuclear arsenal, favored the goal of ultimately eliminating nuclear weapons and opposed developing new nuclear weapons. Majorities opposed using nuclear threats to deter the use of chemical and biological weapons. Opposition to a unilateral approach to U.S. foreign policy has reached an historic high. Support for increased defense spending has slipped to its lowest point in a decade. Just 16 percent said the U.S. spends too little on defense, while the percentage saying that it spends too much - 41 percent -- was the same as the percentage saying the present level is about right. -- To view the full report and questionnaire, visit: http://www.pipa.org. |