Despite isolationist talk, voters desire increased US presence on global stage, according to Ronald Reagan Institute poll.

A survey from the Ronald Reagan Institute found that most Americans consider foreign policy and national defense to be important, and also reveals which country is perceived as the greatest threat to the US.

Despite the upcoming change in the White House and the uncertainty surrounding the U.S.'s geopolitical future, Americans have a clear consensus on the importance of national defense.

The Ronald Reagan Institute reported that Americans who voted for different candidates share a firm belief that the United States must lead on the world stage and maintain a strong military to secure peace through its strength, according to a 2024 National Defense Survey obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Experts warn that the US is unprepared for WWIII as it sleepwalks into the conflict, with no Churchill-like leader to guide the nation.

The survey's findings, based on responses from 2,500 questionnaires distributed between Nov. 8-14 through phone and online platforms, show that U.S. security and foreign policy issues are still significant concerns. Additionally, the survey suggests that the U.S. should take a leading role in major international issues.

The stance taken by the president-elect diverges from his long-standing "America first" policy, which some fear could isolate the U.S. during a geopolitically turbulent time as Russia's aggression continues to escalate in Europe, Iran remains a major threat in the Middle East, and China continues to pose a threat politically, militarily, and economically.

Rachael Hoff, Policy Director at the Ronald Reagan Institute, stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that comparing the campaign rhetoric of both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is fascinating, and it's interesting to see where it resonates and doesn't with the American people.

Since the annual poll began six years ago, a record high number of Americans support U.S. leadership and international engagement, with strong support for a global military posture.

The report stated that there was a 15-point increase in the trend since the previous year, with a steady upward trajectory from a low point in the early 2020s. The shift was most noticeable among younger survey takers, with a 32-point jump among those under 30 and a 19-point increase among those aged 30 to 44.

The increasing concern among Americans about the alliance between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China in East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe drives their desire for more U.S. involvement abroad.

A majority of male survey takers, 59%, expressed confidence that the U.S. could win a war against China, while only 45% of female participants shared the same belief. In contrast, 23% of female participants were unsure, compared to 18% of male participants who also expressed uncertainty.

The U.S. military displayed more confidence in winning a war against Russia when asked, with 73% of male participants saying so compared to 56% of female survey takers.

Despite the lack of clarity on why female participants were less confident in the U.S. military, the majority of survey takers agreed that China is the U.S.'s greatest threat, with Russia being seen as the U.S.'s chief enemy.

In recent years, there has been a growing consensus among Americans that China is the greatest threat they face, according to Hoff. However, this does not mean that they do not perceive Russia, Iran, North Korea, or the cooperation between these malign actors as a threat as well.

"One significant finding from our poll this year is that 85% of Americans are concerned about the cooperation and collaboration between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. This is a massive percentage, and we're seeing it play out in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions. Americans want our government to take action to address this issue."

According to Hoff, despite the survey revealing that Americans prioritize domestic issues like healthcare, border security, and social security over military and foreign policy-based initiatives, national security and geopolitics remain a significant concern for Americans.

According to the poll, people do not want to divest from foreign policy and national security. When asked to prioritize between the two, it becomes challenging.

However, the belief that there's a rising isolationist mindset in the country does not align with the data, according to Hoff.

According to Hoff, the American people do not want the U.S. to take a step back from international leadership, despite the prevalent rhetoric suggesting otherwise.

"Their desire for America to lead from a position of strength is shared among both Republicans and Democrats, as they want us to have a strong military and stand up for the values of freedom and democracy globally."