As the 2024 Reagan National Defense Forum kicks off, the “peace through strength” strategy is top of mind for military experts and Americans alike, according to the head of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute.
President and CEO David Trulio said, “President Trump and the Republicans who got elected, both in the majority in the House and the Senate, clearly have a mandate for peace through strength.” He noted that Americans generally believe in strengthening the military, regardless of their political affiliation.
A new survey by the organization found that an overwhelming majority of Americans view foreign policy and national defense as “somewhat” or “extremely” important. Trulio added, “The U.S. military is a treasured institution and it’s very important that Americans feel that way. The most fundamental purpose of government is to defend the nation and the population.”
The survey also showed a divergence from the “America first” policy pushed by some, which could potentially isolate the US. More than half of male respondents (59%) believe the US could win a war against China, while only 45% of female respondents expressed the same confidence. 23% of women were unsure, compared to 18% of men.
Trulio noted, “It’s a very chaotic world. China has certainly been ascending militarily, obviously economically. The Chinese navy is bigger than the U.S. Navy now. So people are right to stop and think, do we have the military that’s fit for purpose?”
He also highlighted “bright spots” in the foreign policy sector, mentioning countries like Poland and Lithuania, which are meeting US responsibility, engagement, and ethics. He emphasized, “Our collective security is everybody’s responsibility.”
The annual meeting, taking place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, will bring together leaders from across the political spectrum to discuss policies aimed at strengthening America’s military.