The recent updates to the National Security Strategy (NSS) signify a substantial shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of “strong, traditional families” and a focus on enhancing “American spiritual and cultural health.” This diverges markedly from earlier strategies, marking a clear departure even from the previous administration’s approach.
The unpublished version of the NSS circulated prior to its unclassified release outlines key themes, including intensified competition with China, a noticeable withdrawal from European defense commitments, and a pivot towards strengthening U.S. relationships within the Western Hemisphere. Notably, the unpublished document also suggests exploring new forms of global leadership, aiming to redefine how the U.S. can influence Europe culturally.
One striking initiative is encapsulated in the phrase “Make Europe Great Again.” While the publicly available NSS mentions an end to the concept of a “perpetually expanding NATO,” the full document elaborates on a strategy to engage primarily with European nations that align with conservative, right-leaning governments. Countries such as Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland are specifically identified as targets for increased collaboration, with a stated goal of moving them away from the European Union’s influence. The strategy advocates for support of political parties and movements within these nations that promote the restoration of traditional European lifestyles while maintaining a pro-American stance.
Additionally, the NSS proposes the establishment of a new alliance referred to as the Core 5 (C5), consisting of the U.S., China, Russia, India, and Japan. This body would operate without the restrictions that currently bind the G7, allowing for a broader discussion among major world powers. The inaugural agenda for the C5 focuses on enhancing Middle East security, particularly the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
A portion of the document analyzes the perceived failure of American hegemony, emphasizing a departure from the notion that the U.S. should hold dominion over global affairs. It characterizes the post-Cold War belief in perpetual American leadership as misguided, asserting that U.S. involvement should primarily concern itself with protecting its own interests. The NSS outlines a vision where the U.S. reduces its commitment to defending Europe while reassessing its approach to international conflicts, including those spurred by drug cartels in Venezuela.
Moreover, the strategy emphasizes the importance of partnerships with “regional champions” to maintain global stability rather than permanently assuming a unilateral leadership role. It argues for rewarding political entities aligned with U.S. principles while recognizing the necessity of cooperation with governments that may not fully share the same outlook.
In response to media inquiries regarding the existence of this unpublished version, a White House representative firmly denied any other iterations of the NSS beyond the one publicly available. This prompted assertions that the leaked details stemmed from individuals disconnected from the administration’s clear direction and strategy.
