The National Security Strategy (NSS) is a document explaining how the U.S. plans to protect and manage its role in the world. On December 4, Donald Trump’s administration published a new NSS that changes several ideas of previous strategies. This document prioritizes the interests of the U.S., criticizes traditional allies, and pays more attention to the Western Hemisphere and the economy rather than traditional alliances and global challenges. So, let’s explain a bit more about the National Security Strategy.
Trump’s National Security Strategy vs. previous strategies
The new National Security Strategy is very different to previous documents, even to the one published by Trump in 2017. Back then, the main focus was the competition against big powers like China and Russia, whereas the new document focuses more on economic interests and inner and regional issues. So, the current NSS:
- Criticizes U.S. allies in Europe more than it criticizes Russia.
- Emphasizes “America First” and non-intervention, meaning the U.S. will be less involved in distant conflicts and more focused on protecting its own interests.
- Shifts attention from the Middle East to the Western Hemisphere, including Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Considers China mainly as an economic competitor, not a full strategic rival.
These changes show that the U.S. strategy now focuses on regional security and economic control, rather than traditional global power competition.
Security in the Western Hemisphere
One of the most important points of the NSS is the focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, which is presented as a top U.S. security priority. The main challenges mentioned are:
- Mass migration: Limiting citizenship and controlling migration flows to protect “social cohesion” and labor markets.
- Organized crime and drug trafficking: Using military force with regional partners to neutralize cartels and criminal groups.
- Hostile foreign influence: Reducing influence from other countries while attracting U.S. investment and trade.
The document also highlights the importance of working with regional governments, even if they don’t fully share U.S. values, to keep a stable and well-governed hemisphere. However, the document provides few details, making it unclear how these goals will be achieved.
China and Asia
In Asia, the National Security Strategy changes the vision of China:
- China is no longer seen as a full strategic rival, but mainly as an economic competitor.
- The goal is a mutually beneficial economic relationship with Beijing.
- Taiwan is important mostly for its location and semiconductor production, not politics.
- Other Asian countries matter only if they help the U.S. economically compete with China and deter conflict.
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
We have talked about Asia and China, but let’s focus now on these three places:
- Europe: The NSS criticizes European allies for losing “Western” values and for low birth rates. Some long-time allies, like Germany, are criticized, while Central and Eastern European countries are seen as more reliable.
- Middle East: No longer a main focus. Trump wants countries in the region to develop independently, though the U.S. remains involved in some conflicts and peace processes, like in Gaza and Syria.
- Africa: Receives little attention. The NSS mentions trade and investment, but not governance, corruption, or security challenges.
Trump’s ‘’peace’’ strategy
The National Security Strategy repeats the idea that Trump resolved eight international conflicts, but many of these claims are questionable:
- Some conflicts were already inactive or ended before Trump’s involvement.
- Others remain unresolved or could flare up again, like in Ukraine or Sudan.
- Trump’s idea of being the “president of peace” is more a goal than a proven reality.
So, this NSS reflects a vision focused on U.S. interests, regional security, and economic priorities, rather than traditional alliances or global power competition.