Geopolitical threats

Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are the countries cited by Democratic candidates as the top geopolitical threats.

By Megan Duzor | VOA News

FILE — A missile is fired during the test of a multiple rocket launcher in this undated photo. (KCNA / Reuters)

During the Democratic debates, some of the candidates were asked which country represents the greatest geopolitical threat toward America. Their answers centered on Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

Which country is the greatest geopolitical threat facing the United States?


Russia
China
North Korea
Iran
Bennet ✔
Biden
Bloomberg
Booker ✔
Buttigieg
Castro ✔
Delaney ✔
Gabbard
Harris
Klobuchar ✔ ✔
Patrick
Sanders
Steyer
Warren
Williamson
Yang ✔

NOTE: Biden, Bullock, Buttigieg, Gabbard, Harris, Messam, Patrick, Sanders, Sestak, Steyer, Williamson and Warren haven’t specified a primary geopolitical threat.


President Donald Trump’s position: President Donald Trump has not directly said which country is the greatest geopolitical threat toward the United States. The president has launched a trade war with China and pulled out of the nuclear deal with Iran. On Russia, he has said on multiple occasions that he wants to have good relations with Moscow. Trump initially called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “little rocket man,” but later met on three occasions and said of him, “We’ve developed a very good relationship.”


Public Opinion

Do you see the following countries as a critical threat to the United States?


Russia
China
North Korea
Iran
YES 43% 42% 61% 57%

Source: Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey (published September 6, 2019)


Where do the candidates stand on the issues?

The 2020 Democratic presidential field is the largest in modern history. While much unites the field, the candidates also have sharp policy differences on major issues.

Health Care

Health care has dominated the Democratic presidential campaign since the race began. Democratic candidates agree on the need for more government involvement in health care but disagree over how much.

Afghanistan

More than 2,400 U.S. troops have died in Afghanistan since 2001. Democrats are divided about how and when to bring troops home.

Trade with Asia (TPP)

The issue of international trade has dominated headlines in recent years, with Democrats split over the benefits of free trade agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.