United States security concerns shift toward domestic extremism

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between August 28 and 31 reveals a significant shift in American security concerns twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks. While the 2001 attacks focused national fears on foreign threats, current data shows that 61% of respondents view domestic extremists as a greater threat than those from abroad.

When asked to identify the primary threat to the safety of average Americans, 33% cited “domestic terrorism,” 20% identified foreign terror, and 42% pointed to random acts of violence, such as mass shootings. This marks a notable change from 2013, when only 21% of Americans viewed domestic terrorism as the top threat, compared to 28% who feared foreign terror.

The survey also indicates that while memories of the September 11 attacks remain strong, public sentiment regarding the subsequent wars has evolved. Approximately 48% of respondents expressed that the war in Afghanistan was not worth the cost.