Movement toward a more democratic global system and a more inclusive world economy will not easily happen unless there is a strong consensus among Americans in favor of such change. To this end, Demos' U.S. in the World initiative (USITW) is helping advocates come together around a shared story of responsible global engagement, create connections across issue areas, and take advantage of cutting-edge communications research to reach broader audiences. U.S. in the World works with with a wide range of partners and commissions in-depth public opinion research to develop messaging advice that helps communicators build mainstream public support for new policy approaches. Ongoing work of USITW includes:

• "Managing the Fear Factor," an 18-month initiative to help progressive advocates and political leaders manage the impact of fear on public debates about national security, foreign policy, and the protection of human rights and civil liberties in the context of security. The initiative explores why and how the public responds to fearful imagery and language, along with ways to positively shape public discourse in light of these fears -- including specific strategies to draw on in the event of another major terrorist attack.

• Collaborating with the Green Group's Action Plan for Climate Change to better understand public opinion on climate change and identify those messages about changing U.S. policy that are most persuasive to the American public.

• Working with the Peace and Security Initiative to develop common themes and messages that can build public support for more dramatic efforts to reduce nuclear arsenals.

• Contributing to Demos' work on trade and globalization by analyzing public opinion on these issues and recommending messages likely to be most effective in building public support for new policy approaches.

Visit the U.S. In the World website to find out more.

• Priscilla Lewis - Co-Director, U.S. in the World
• Sue Veres Royal - Co-Director, U.S. in the World

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