FIRST ON FOX: A new Ronald Reagan Institute survey reveals that a significant majority of Americans consider foreign policy and national defense highly important. The survey also gauged opinions on rival nations and identified the perceived greatest threat to the U.S.
As the U.S. anticipates a new presidential administration and navigates increasingly tense relationships with Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, American views on national defense show remarkable consistency.
The Ronald Reagan Institute’s report, based on its 2024 National Defense Survey, states that voters across the political spectrum share a fundamental belief: the U.S. must maintain global leadership, supported by a powerful military.
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The survey, encompassing approximately 2,500 respondents (November 8-14, via phone and online), underscores the continued importance of U.S. security and foreign policy. It strongly suggests Americans favor U.S. leadership on major global issues.
This opinion contrasts with the “America First” approach advocated by President-elect Donald Trump, a stance some critics viewed as insufficient during a period of heightened geopolitical instability marked by Russian aggression in Europe, Iranian threats in the Middle East, and China’s multifaceted challenges.
“It’s fascinating to compare campaign rhetoric from both candidates and assess its resonance with the public,” commented Rachael Hoff, Policy Director at the Ronald Reagan Institute, referring to Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The survey also indicates a record high level of support for U.S. leadership and international engagement, with strong backing for a robust global military presence. This reflects a 15-point increase from last year and a consistent upward trend since the early 2020s, with particularly notable increases among younger respondents (32-point jump for those under 30, and 19-point increase for those aged 30-44).
This desire for greater U.S. involvement, especially in East Asia (including China and the Korean Peninsula), the Middle East, and Europe, stems from growing concerns about Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, and anxieties about the U.S. military’s ability to counter these nations.
While 59% of male respondents believed the U.S. could win a war against China, only 45% of female respondents shared this confidence (23% of women were unsure, compared to 18% of men).
More confidence was shown regarding a potential war with Russia, though women again exhibited less certainty than men (73% of men vs. 56% of women).
Although the reasons for this gender disparity in confidence remain unclear, the survey’s overall finding identifies China as the greatest threat to the U.S., with Russia viewed as a primary adversary.
“A key trend over the past three to four years is the growing consensus that China poses the greatest threat – a sentiment widely shared across the American public and echoed by bipartisan national security leaders in Washington,” Hoff noted. This doesn’t diminish the perceived threat from Russia, Iran, North Korea, or their cooperation.
“This year’s poll reveals that 85% of Americans are concerned about collaboration between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, a trend visible in Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere – a concern Americans want their government to address,” Hoff added.
Hoff explained that while the survey, conducted before and after the U.S. general election, showed Americans prioritizing domestic issues like healthcare, border security, and Social Security over military and foreign policy initiatives, national security and geopolitics remain critical concerns.
“The poll consistently shows Americans don’t want to abandon foreign policy and national security,” she stated. “However, prioritizing these against domestic concerns is challenging.”
“Americans expect their government to handle multiple priorities simultaneously,” Hoff said. “The notion of a rising isolationist sentiment is not supported by the data.”
“Much rhetoric – in Congress and the media – suggests Americans want reduced U.S. global involvement and a retreat from international leadership. But the survey indicates otherwise,” Hoff explained.
“Americans want America to lead from a position of strength. They want a strong military. They want us to uphold freedom and democracy globally. This is true across the political spectrum, regardless of voting preference,” she concluded.