newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
In recent weeks, Chinese spy balloons have captured the country’s attention. The vigilance and anger of the American public indicates a broad consensus on national security. For those who follow foreign policy public opinion, this reaction is natural.
Americans have a clear eye on the threats we face, but they worry that their government and military are not doing their job in responding. Policymakers in the new Congress should know that Americans are ready to take serious action against mounting threats to national security.
The latest Reagan Defense Survey shows growing public awareness of threats emanating from China and Russia. In our national poll, 81% of Americans are concerned about the growing threat of authoritarianism around the world, up from 75% of her in 2021.
Lawmakers mock Biden after UFO address: ‘CCP is laughing at him’
Nearly two-thirds fear Russia winning the war in Ukraine, and three-quarters fear the war will escalate to NATO countries in Eastern Europe and force the United States to become directly involved. Are concerned. If Russia were to attack a NATO ally, most Americans would support US involvement.
Americans fear that a Russian aggression will have ripple effects in other parts of the world, inspiring other authoritarian states to invade their democratic neighbors. Even China and Taiwan were never far from the minds of most Americans.
Seven in ten fear the United States will go to war with China within the next five years. They are concerned about China’s economic practices, military build-up and human rights violations, but do not believe there is a clear strategy for managing relations with China. Less than half believe the United States has the world’s best military capabilities. Even fewer people think we have the best high-tech capabilities.
With this assessment of the strategic situation, here are three things Congress and the Biden administration must accomplish.
1. Invest in peace through military power
In the face of Chinese military investment and Russian military aggression, America’s hard power must be rebuilt to strengthen deterrence – reestablish peace in Europe and keep peace in the Indo-Pacific. increase.
Our research shows that increased defense spending has broad public support. Three-quarters support increasing the military budget, including Democrats, independents and Republican supermajorities (more than two-thirds). Congress needs to fund a bigger navy, more conventional weapons, and a modernized nuclear arsenal. We also need to help our military by procuring and integrating the cutting-edge technology they need to compete in the 21st century.
2. Develop a strategy to counter your greatest enemy, China
Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominating the headlines for almost a year, Americans perceive China as the country that poses the greatest threat to the United States.
Three-quarters of Americans now view China as an enemy, up from 55% in 2018. The newly formed House Select Committee on China represents a commendable first step in addressing this threat. Part of this commission’s work will need to consider how to strategically separate our economy from China’s in industries relevant to national security.
Click here to get the opinion newsletter
More than half of Americans, including a majority of Democrats and Republicans, support efforts to reduce the volume of trade between the United States and China. At the same time, a bipartisan majority endorses efforts to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, including increasing the U.S. military presence in the region and increasing arms sales to Taiwan, so that Congress is pushing America against Taiwan. need to strengthen support for
3. Support the American values of freedom and democracy
Americans want this country to walk and chew gum when it comes to the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
Almost a year into the war, most Americans still want America to continue to support and equip Ukrainians in their fight for freedom. He is only one in three Americans who believe there are enough problems at home that they cannot afford to spend more on conflict and risk further provoking Russia.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Americans understand that a freer, more democratic world is a world of greater peace and prosperity. Our values are our interests. Seven of her ten Americans want to continue or increase U.S. support for democracy defenders abroad. In addition to supporting the fight in Ukraine, Congress should fully fund the National Endowment for Democracy and the U.S. Global Media Agency as part of efforts to advance freedom around the world.
As Ronald Reagan explained at the 1980 Republican National Convention, policymakers on both sides of the aisle should know what Americans believe. The future course of life on this planet. Our leaders would do well to take a page from President Reagan’s foreign policy paradigm.
Thomas Kenna is a policy officer at the Reagan Institute.