Why doesn’t Generation Z want to be all it can be?

WASHINGTON: Optimism was in the air at the 2023 Reagan National Defense Forum, where the annual survey of American opinion showed growing public support for defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. 

The survey also revealed high levels of support for continued assistance to Ukraine and Israel. It found that most Americans are confident in the armed forces, support increases to the defense budget, and view the US military as superior to China’s.

As Roger Zakheim, director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Institute, put it: “Our survey shows that Americans remain resolved, like President Reagan was, to support those defending freedom around the world. ”Yet the survey’s results also forecast dark clouds on the horizon. Vast and expanding gaps between how the youngest and oldest Americans think about international affairs point to contentious times ahead. Consider Taiwan. More than 75% of those over 65 say they would support economic sanctions, relocating American military assets, and sending military equipment if the Chinese invade. Less than 50% of those under 30 favour these responses.