Peace Through Strength
2020 Reagan National Defense Survey
Overview
The Reagan National Defense Survey is a public opinion poll that assists elected officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders with understanding how Americans view a wide array of defense, foreign policy, and national security matters.
Introduction to 2020 Survey Report
NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Reagan National Defense Survey was conducted in February 2021
With all that has happened in the last year, it is understandable that Americans are experiencing a sense of pessimism. The latest Reagan National Defense Survey reflects a downturn in overall attitudes across nearly every category of question. One of the more alarming downward trends is declining trust and confidence in the military.
Despite the current environment, Americans still believe in President Reagan’s vision of strong American leadership in the world, advancing the values of freedom and democracy abroad, and maintaining the peace through our strength.
2020 Reagan National Defense Survey Video
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From the Pollsters
More Surveys
2024 Reagan National Defense Survey
We released the seventh annual Reagan National Defense Survey, showing Americans believe the United States must lead on the world stage, backed by a strong U.S. military.
2023 Reagan National Defense Survey
This year's survey reveals concerns that congressional budget cuts will lead to reduced military capabilities and support for increasing military spending on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence.
2022 Reagan National Defense Survey
In the face of geopolitical events that shook the foundations of global peace and security in 2022, Americans see U.S. leadership as the key to restoring the peace.
2021 Reagan National Defense Survey
Despite uncertainty among the American people about whether or how the United States should lead in the world, there is a significant bipartisan consensus that China is the greatest threat we face.
2019 Reagan National Defense Survey
Americans remain steadfast in their support for a strong military that both keeps the peace and advances the values of freedom and democracy abroad. Americans are not isolationists. They want America to be more engaged in the world, not less.
2018 Reagan National Defense Survey
Americans remain steadfast in their support for a strong military that both keeps the peace and advances the values of freedom and democracy abroad. Americans are not isolationists.
