US EditionHow the old and new US defense strategies differ on traditional priorities
The 2026 National Defense Strategy shifts focus to homeland protection and Western Hemisphere dominance, emphasizing burden-sharing and industrial base growth, while maintaining ambiguity on Taiwan.
- President Donald Trump’s administration released the new U.S. National Defense Strategy, the first since 2022, contrasting it with the predecessor issued under former President Joe Biden.
- With the PRC as the pacing challenge, the NDS directs urgent action to sustain deterrence, citing PRC coercion toward Taiwan and in the Indo‑Pacific as threats to economic access.
- Under President Trump’s leadership, NATO allies committed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP total with 3.5% in hard capabilities, positioning NATO to lead Europe’s defense and support Ukraine.
- As the Department continues to right‑size its Middle East presence, it will maintain cooperation in Iraq and Syria and empower regional allies to deter Iran, backing Israel and Gulf partners.
- The Western Hemisphere guidance states the Department will guarantee access to key terrain including the Panama Canal while emphasizing deterrence through forward posture and integrated air and missile defenses with South Korea.
50 Articles
50 Articles
What the Indo-Pacific thinks of the new US National Defense Strategy
Our Indo-Pacific experts share how US allies and partners in the region are reacting to the United States’ latest National Defense Strategy, which calls for them to take on a more active role in their own security.
So, We Have A National Defense Strategy - Armed Forces Press
...no one is hiding anything. just read it... As we discussed in the opening of last Sunday’s Midrats Podcast, I really have no idea why we keep publishing significant national security related documents on Fridays…but it is what it is. As it has been four days, there has already been more than a few opinion pieces written about it and to be blunt, a lot of it is a bunch of hot garbage. Even though I think everyone should agree with me, and one…
America’s Defense Strategy Mistake: Ignoring China
Dr. Robert Kelly analyzes the Trump administration’s new National Defense Strategy, praising its decision to disengage from Europe and force NATO allies to manage the Russian threat, which he views as manageable given Russia’s struggles in Ukraine. However, Kelly sharply critiques the administration’s failure to pivot those resources to Asia to counter the far greater threat of China. Instead of bolstering scattered Asian allies, the strategy pr…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
