Americans Predict Major Terrorist Attack On United States In Next Decade

  • Jan 06, 2011

A new Harris Poll measures how many people expect various events will happen in the next decade, in the next 50 years and in the rest of the 21st century. Large majorities believe that all 15 events on the list will happen eventually, and that many of them will happen sometime in this century. However, only one of them -- a major terrorist attack on the U.S. -- is seen by a majority (54 percent) as likely to happen in the next 10 years.

Other events that are seen as likely to occur in the next 10 years by sizable minorities are electing a female president (35 percent), China replacing the U.S. as the world's most powerful economic country (30 percent), a biological or chemical attack on the U.S. (29 percent), and that global warming and climate change will have a big impact (22 percent). 

At the other (least likely) end of the spectrum, very few people expect that in the next decade there will be an end to the obesity epidemic (7 percent), a nuclear war (8 percent), a revolution overthrowing the U.S. government (8 percent), or that smoking tobacco will almost disappear (9 percent).

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,331 adults surveyed online between December 6 and 13 by Harris Interactive.

Majorities of all adults believe that the following are likely to occur in the next 50 years:

  • A major terrorist attack on the U.S. (79 percent).
  • A female will be president (82 percent).
  • China will replace the U.S. as the world's most powerful economic country (62 percent).
  • An attack on the U.S. using chemical or biological weapons (60 percent).
  • Most energy in the U.S. will come from renewable sources (52 percent).
  • A cure for cancer (52 percent).

Majorities of all adults believe that the following are likely to happen in the next 90 years:

  • Global warming and climate change will have a big impact (70 percent).
  • A new political party will replace the Republicans or the Democrats as one of the two largest parties (62 percent).
  • A massive water shortage (63 percent).
  • Life expectancy will be 100 years or more (63 percent).
  • Most people (75 percent) believe that that eventually human life on Earth will end, but only 19 percent think that will happen in the 21st century.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.