The recently unveiled National Security Strategy marks a departure from traditional White House policy documents, acknowledging a past where America’s foreign policy establishment “went astray.” It asserts a course correction, claiming to be rooted in the desires and instincts of everyday citizens – a strategy built on “America First.”
A new national defense survey offers a compelling look into the actual views of the American public on critical security issues. This survey, released shortly before the strategy’s publication, reveals a fascinating interplay of alignment and disagreement between the administration’s vision and the nation’s sentiment – a complex picture of a changing American worldview.
On the fundamental need for strength, the public and the President are remarkably united. The strategy champions “peace through strength,” advocating for the world’s most advanced military. An overwhelming 87% of Americans agree that maintaining military superiority is vital, and 71% believe American leadership fosters global peace.
This consensus extends to modernization efforts. The strategy proposes a “Golden Dome” missile defense system and a “Golden Fleet” to challenge China’s naval capabilities. Public support is strong: 68% favor investing in the missile defense system, and a striking 88% believe the U.S. needs significantly increased manufacturing capacity to compete with China’s shipbuilding prowess.
Regarding China, both the strategy and public opinion are aligned. The document identifies China as a key competitor, criticizing past administrations for enabling or ignoring its strategic ambitions. Nearly half of Americans – 48% – identify China as the greatest threat to the United States, significantly more than Russia, and broadly support deterring Chinese aggression, including defending Taiwan.
However, significant divergences emerge when considering America’s allies. The strategy expresses reservations about Europe’s economic and strategic reliability, questioning its long-term dependability. It also adopts a relatively muted tone towards Russia, prioritizing “strategic stability” despite ongoing conflict and aggression.
The American public holds a strikingly different view. A clear majority – 75% – view Ukraine as an ally, alongside 66% for Israel and 67% for Taiwan. Overwhelmingly, they favor restricting advanced technology sales to China to prevent military advancements, a contrast to the strategy’s openness to continued commercial exchange.
The public’s perception of friend and foe is unambiguous: 79% view Russia as an enemy and 77% see China as an adversary. These aren’t fringe opinions, but dominant sentiments, revealing a clear understanding of the global threat landscape.
This clarity extends to international engagement. While the strategy leans towards “non-interventionism,” 64% of Americans believe the U.S. should be more actively engaged in global leadership, rejecting isolationism. They desire a purposeful and realistic approach, avoiding endless wars while maintaining a strong global presence.
Support for alliances remains robust, despite the strategy’s skepticism. A substantial 68% hold a favorable view of NATO, and 76% would support defending a NATO ally under attack. Even those initially favoring withdrawal reconsider when presented with increased allied defense spending commitments.
The Middle East presents another point of disconnect. The strategy downplays the region’s importance, citing increased U.S. energy production. However, Americans remain deeply concerned about regional threats, supporting efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and providing aid to Israel.
The survey reveals a profound truth: the American people are pragmatic, not isolationist. They are clear-eyed about adversaries, supportive of allies, committed to deterrence, and united in the belief that American strength is essential for global peace. The National Security Strategy reflects these instincts in its focus on military power and competition with China.
However, its reservations about European allies, its cautious approach to Russia, and its diminished focus on the Middle East diverge from the prevailing sentiment of the American public. This strategy is carefully scrutinized by allies and adversaries alike, and its success hinges on aligning with the will of the people it intends to represent.
Americans possess a clear understanding of who their friends are, who their enemies are, and what it takes to safeguard the nation. Their voice, if truly heeded, should be the guiding force behind the implementation of this critical national strategy.
