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)