In the eyes of the American public, which is a bigger threat: Russia or China? Recent events would draw American attention to both countries, especially as both authoritarian regimes threaten democracies. Our research asks Americans to choose and finds that the public makes little differentiation whether the challenge is to the United States or to democracies as a whole, overwhelmingly choosing China.
Over a year into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, no end is in sight, despite increasing U.S. and international pressure on Russia. Recently, Vladimir Putin placed Russia’s strategic nuclear weapons on combat duty, as a warning that Russia could use nuclear weapons if further intervention from the west occurs in Ukraine. U.S. actions to hold Russia accountable include immobilizing sovereign assets, imposing economic sanctions, restricting Russian exports, and increasing tariffs. Russian aggression and close proximity to NATO members further has led to the organization’s condemnation of Russia’s actions.
