A new multi-national survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and WorldPublicOpinion.org shows that a majority (64 percent) of residents of the 14 countries that make up 56 percent of the 
world’s population favor creation of a standing United Nations peacekeeping force. Large majorities also would give the UN authority to investigate violations of human rights (64 percent) and regulate international arms trade 55 percent). Twelve of the 14 countries polled have large majorities that favor a standing UN force. Only Argentina and Philippines had less than 50 percent of their respondents in favor of the idea.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.