# The myth of rally round the flag

- Link: https://instituteforglobalaffairs.org/2026/05/the-myth-of-rally-round-the-flag/
- Published: 2026-05-20T10:48:50-04:00

By [Eloise Cassier](https://instituteforglobalaffairs.org/about/team/eloise-cassier/),
Research Associate

_This article was published by Tribune News Service on May 20, 2026. It appears 
here as syndicated in [The State](https://www.thestate.com/opinion/us-viewpoints/article315822800.html)._

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It is commonly held wisdom that the American people unite behind their president
in times of crisis. This “rally round the flag” effect describes boosts in presidential
popularity that bridge the partisan divide. Public opinion on the war with Iran 
has so far defied this assumption, indicating the phenomenon may be more myth than
reality.

Nearly three months after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against
Iran, a majority of Americans disapprove of how President Donald Trump has handled
the conflict. A new poll from the Institute for Global Affairs at Eurasia Group 
shows deep partisan splits on Trump’s handling of the Iran war.

A rally round the flag effect seems to be largely absent. Democrats are overwhelmingly
against the military campaign (90% disapprove), while Republicans are mostly supportive(
73%). Independents lean more the way of Democrats: 23% approve and 62% disapprove.

…

Read Eloise’s full piece in [The State](https://www.thestate.com/opinion/us-viewpoints/article315822800.html)

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**Written by **[Eloise Cassier](https://instituteforglobalaffairs.org/about/team/eloise-cassier/)

Eloise Cassier is a research associate at the Institute for Global Affairs at Eurasia
Group.

 * [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecassier/)