The United States has published a new National Security Strategy (NSS) in December, outlining a significant shift in its global approach and stance on the international order established after World War Two. The document reframes the US role, emphasizing national sovereignty and reevaluating international institutions. Russia's Kremlin has indicated that elements of the strategy align with its own foreign policy perspectives.
Overview of the New Strategy
The 33-page US National Security Strategy, unveiled in December, challenges the post-World War Two international order, which had been in place for approximately 80 years and supported institutions like NATO, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations. The document refers to the 'so-called 'rules-based international order',' suggesting a reevaluation of this concept.
The strategy emphasizes the nation-state as the fundamental political unit and advocates for the 'sovereign rights of nations' against what it terms 'sovereignty-sapping incursions of the most intrusive transnational organizations.' It also states that 'the outsized influence of larger, richer, and stronger nations is a timeless truth of international relations.' The NSS suggests the US will work to reduce the influence of supranational bodies, arguing that American strategy previously diverged by binding policy to international institutions, some of which it claims are anti-American or promote transnationalism that diminishes state sovereignty.
Implications for Europe
The NSS does not identify Russia as a direct threat to the United States. However, its language toward Russia has raised concerns among EU officials and analysts regarding potential impacts on responses to ongoing conflicts. The document attributes blame to the European Union for impeding US efforts to resolve "the conflict," and states that the US must "re-establish strategic stability to Russia," which it claims would "stabilise European economies."
The strategy suggests Europe faces "civilisational erasure" and outlines priorities such as combatting foreign influence, addressing mass migration, and rejecting what it describes as the EU's practice of "censorship." It advocates for the restoration of "Western identity," claiming Europe could become "unrecognisable in 20 years or less," and that its economic challenges are "eclipsed by the real and more stark prospect of civilisational erasure." The document questions whether certain European countries will maintain sufficient economic and military strength to remain reliable allies, particularly if some NATO members become "majority non-European" within decades.
The NSS promotes "resistance to Europe's current trajectory within European nations" and encourages "patriotic European parties" to foster a "revival of spirit." Vice-President JD Vance, in a February 2025 speech at the Munich Security Conference, stated that Europe's primary threat originates internally from actions suppressing free speech and political opposition, rather than externally from Russia, a stance codified within the NSS.
Regional Policy Shifts
Under the new strategy, the US will no longer pressure authoritarian regimes to improve human rights records. The document states that 'All nations are entitled by 'the laws of nature and nature’s God' to a 'separate and equal station' with respect to one another.' Specifically for the Middle East, the US intends to move away from "hectoring these nations - especially the Gulf monarchies - into abandoning their traditions and historic forms of government," instead promoting acceptance of the region and its leaders "as they are" while collaborating on shared interests.
The strategy also signals a reassertion of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, claiming the right for the US to be the pre-eminent power in the Western Hemisphere and aligning Latin American and Caribbean nations with Washington's interests. A recent US military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, has been cited as an example of a more assertive unilateralism. The US maintains the legality of its actions, citing Maduro's unrecognized status by some European partners and constitutional provisions.
Responses and Observations
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that adjustments in the strategy are "largely consistent with our vision" and described this as a positive step, adding that Moscow would conduct further analysis. Field Marshal Lord Richards suggested that leaders such as Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin aim to restore an era of 'Great Power politics.'
EU officials and analysts have questioned aspects of the strategy, particularly its focus on freedom of expression, drawing comparisons to language used by the Kremlin. Karin von Hippel, a former senior US State Department official, noted that the US is no longer the country promoting global values established after World War Two. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, responding to Vice-President Vance's speech, stated that Europe would need to "achieve independence" from America. Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, observed that Europe's current dependence on the US makes short-term independence challenging.
The strategy commits the US to working with "aligned countries that want to restore their former greatness." It also highlights an ideological divide across the US and Europe, driven by concerns about immigration, the economy, and a "popular revolt against the establishment." The NSS commits to eliminating practices like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Defense Spending
The strategy addresses defense spending, a long-standing point of US advocacy. Donald Trump previously secured a commitment for European allies to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP. Sir Lawrence Freedman confirmed that spending has increased, with Germany demonstrating progress in this area. Lord Richards underscored the continued need for increased European defense spending.