2024 Reagan National Defense Survey

The new administration taking office in 2025 will inherit a world fraught with uncertainty, instability, and conflict. Conducted just days after the 2024 elections, the 7th annual Reagan National Defense Survey reveals that Americans who cast their votes for different candidates share an unshakable core set of beliefs: the United States must lead on the world stage, backed by a strong military that can secure the peace through its strength.

During the moment of transition between the elections in November and the transfer of power in January, the American people are calling for more engagement in international affairs. They want a U.S. military capable of deterring autocratic powers like China and Russia and believe U.S. forces should maintain a global presence across multiple theaters to address the diverse array of threats we face. Americans are concerned about the new axis between our adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. And skepticism lingers about whether the United States enjoys military superiority vis-à-vis China, underscoring the need for renewed investment in our military strength.

While there is broad, bipartisan agreement across many of these overarching views, there is a growing partisan polarization about America’s role in particular global conflicts. Americans are split along party lines on sending U.S. military aid to Ukraine, but a majority supports a negotiated settlement to end the war. In the Middle East, there is partisan division on Israel’s military actions, but there is broad agreement that U.S. leadership in the region is essential, especially to free American hostages and negotiate peace.

To meet the threats we face, Americans want to increase spending on the U.S. military—and they are concerned the national debt will force cuts to the defense budget.