Rise of Domestic Extremism: Shifting Fears in the Post-9/11 USA

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows U.S. citizens are now more concerned about domestic extremism than foreign terrorism. Historically, foreign threats dominated American fears post-9/11. The poll indicates dissatisfaction with wars post-9/11 and notes the impact of stronger airport security and domestic surveillance on U.S. public opinion.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals a significant shift in the American perception of threats, prioritizing domestic extremism over foreign terrorism. Currently, 33% of Americans cite domestic terrorism as the primary threat to safety, surpassing foreign terrorism, which only 20% consider the biggest threat.

The legacy of 9/11 continues to influence American views on security and military intervention, with most Americans reflecting on the event as a unifying moment in the nation's history. Public opinion on the worthiness of post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq remains largely negative, with many Americans disapproving of their high costs.

Despite ongoing security concerns, 60% of Americans believe that measures taken in response to 9/11 have been effective. Public sentiment favors government-operated airport security over privatized options, while the expansion of domestic surveillance, especially electronic monitoring, is viewed critically by the majority.