Support for torture over time: Interrogating the American public about coercive tactics

In this study, we examine what influences public attitudes toward torture and whether the public's attitude affects or is affected by shifts in presidential policy on torture. We employed ten surveys over five years that looked at approval of torture, as well as two surveys that asked questions about specific methods. We find that public support for torture has risen mildly, but a resilient ambivalence best describes the public's attitude. The public was not affected by the change in government from an administration that strongly supported enhanced interrogation techniques to one that opposed them, and labeled them torture. Public opinion also seemed unaffected by the increased criticism of torture generally. Large majorities oppose most specific methods of interrogation, while at times a majority supports torture in general. We also find support for torture and specific methods is affected most strongly by partisanship and ideology.

► The public is largely stable in its position on torture and interrogation tactics. ► The public is deeply divided about the question. ► Public opinion about torture did not affect government interrogation policies. ► The change in interrogation policy in 2009 did not change public opinion. ► A tiny rise in support for aggressive interrogation, even as opposition from elites grew.