The Trump administration has released a new national security strategy document, outlining its foreign policy priorities and principles.
Overview
The strategy document emphasizes an "America First" philosophy, prioritizing U.S. interests and questioning established strategic relationships. This approach represents a shift from the previous administration's efforts to strengthen alliances. The document explicitly states its motivation is defined by "what works for America — or, in two words, 'America First'."
Democratic Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, who serves on intelligence and armed forces committees, commented that the strategy could be "catastrophic to America's standing in the world and a retreat from our alliances and partnerships."
Approach to Europe
The strategy document contains critiques of European migration and free speech policies. It suggests that European nations face the "prospect of civilizational erasure" and raises questions about their reliability as long-term American partners. The document attributes a perceived weakening of Europe to its immigration policies, declining birthrates, "censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition," and a "loss of national identities and self-confidence." It states, "Should present trends continue, the continent will be unrecognizable in 20 years or less."
The strategy encourages "patriotic European parties" and views their growing influence as a "cause for great optimism." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged the U.S. as a crucial NATO ally but asserted that issues like freedom of expression or national societal organization are outside alliance discussions and do not require external advice. Markus Frohnmaier, a lawmaker with Germany's far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party, characterized the U.S. strategy as "a foreign policy reality check for Europe and particularly for Germany."
Regarding Russia and Ukraine, the strategy states that ending the nearly four-year-old conflict in Ukraine is a vital U.S. interest to "reestablish strategic stability with Russia," and seeks to improve the U.S. relationship with Russia.
Focus on the Americas
The strategy introduces a "'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine" with the objective to "restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere." This includes initiatives to combat drug trafficking and control migration. The U.S. administration has conducted military strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The document proposes "targeted deployments to secure the border and defeat cartels, including where necessary the use of lethal force to replace the failed law enforcement-only strategy of the last several decades."
Middle East Policy Shift
The strategy advocates for a revised approach in the Middle East, moving away from what it terms "America's misguided experiment with hectoring" nations, particularly Gulf monarchies, about their governmental forms and traditions. It describes Arab nations as "emerging as a place of partnership, friendship, and investment." The document specifies, "We should encourage and applaud reform when and where it emerges organically, without trying to impose it." The U.S. plans to shift its focus from the region, citing reduced dependence on its oil supply.
U.S.-China Relations
Concerning China, the strategy aims to "rebalance" the U.S.-China relationship and counter Beijing's posture toward Taiwan. The U.S. intends to maintain a military advantage over China to prevent conflict over Taiwan. Additionally, the strategy urges regional allies to increase their contributions to collective defense, stating, "Our allies must step up and spend — and more importantly do — much more for collective defense."