A recent survey conducted by the Ronald Reagan Institute reveals that a significant majority of Americans consider foreign policy and national defense to be highly important. This finding contradicts campaign rhetoric that suggests otherwise.
The 2024 National Defense Survey, conducted between November 8-14, involved 2,500 participants and employed both telephone and online platforms. The survey's results emphasize the importance of U.S. security and foreign policy issues for Americans and indicate a preference for the U.S. to take a leading role in global affairs.
Rachael Hoff, Policy Director at the Ronald Reagan Institute, highlighted the contrast between campaign rhetoric and public opinion. She noted that despite varying political affiliations, Americans share a belief in the importance of U.S. global leadership supported by a strong military.
The survey also revealed a record-high level of support for U.S. international engagement and a strong global military presence. This support has seen a steady increase, particularly among younger demographics. A significant jump of 32 points was observed among those under 30, and a 19-point increase for those between 30 and 44.
Parachutists jump from a U.S. airplane near Burgenlengenfeld, Germany, on April 12, 2016. (Armin Weigel/picture alliance via Getty Images)
This increased interest in global involvement, particularly in East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, reflects growing concerns about the alliance between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, as well as the U.S. military's capacity to counter these nations. Interestingly, a gender gap emerged in confidence levels regarding the U.S. military's ability to win a war against China and Russia, with men expressing greater confidence.
President Ronald Reagan waves to the crowd.
A broad consensus identifies China as the greatest threat to the U.S., although Russia remains a significant concern. A striking 85% of Americans expressed worry about the increasing cooperation between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, a development with clear implications for global stability.
South Korean and U.S. Marines take positions during a joint amphibious landing exercise with their Filipino counterparts on a beach facing the South China Sea in San Antonio town, Zambales province, Oct. 7, 2022. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images)
While domestic issues like healthcare and border security are also important to Americans, the survey suggests they do not want to reduce focus on foreign policy and national security. They expect their government to address both domestic and international concerns effectively.
Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
Contrary to some narratives, the survey data does not support the idea of a growing isolationist sentiment in the U.S. Americans across the political spectrum express a desire for continued American leadership on the world stage, backed by a strong military and a commitment to democratic values.
