Peace Through Strength
2022 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 2022 Survey Report
Though the world has changed in the 40 years since President Reagan was in office, the latest Reagan National Defense Survey shows that the American people continue to support his timeless principle of “peace through strength.” 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.
Americans want the United States to lead and be more engaged in the world. They want a strong U.S. military presence overseas and support increasing defense spending. They want America to stand with our allies and support democracy. They want to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression and deter potential Chinese aggression against Taiwan.
Still, there are some troubling findings from the 2022 Reagan National Defense Survey as well. Our national security leaders would do well to listen to the views of the American people and act to rebuild public trust in our military
2022 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.
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.
2020 Reagan National Defense Survey
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.
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.
