The United States is poised to reduce its support for allies, including the United Kingdom, under a newly released “America First” National Defence Strategy. This 34-page document criticizes allied nations for their long-term dependence on Washington for defense, urging countries in Europe and Asia to bolster their own military capabilities.
The strategy emphasizes a need for a “sharp shift in approach, focus, and tone” in response to escalating global threats, particularly from Russia and North Korea. The opening sentence of the document bluntly states, “For too long, the US government neglected – even rejected – putting Americans and their concrete interests first.”
In a notable shift, the strategy also lowers the priority of China in the context of national security. The document describes China as a stable force in the Indo-Pacific region, indicating that the goal is not to dominate or humiliate the country but to deter its ambitions. It clearly states, “This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle.”
Changes in Military Focus and Alliances
The new defense strategy echoes former President Donald Trump’s previous policies that prioritize the Western Hemisphere over global policing. This approach aligns with what has been termed the “Donroe Doctrine,” advocating for less emphasis on military engagement in Asia and more focus on South America.
The plan includes directives for the Department of War to provide “credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain,” notably Greenland and the Panama Canal. It stresses the importance of cooperation with partners like Canada, but cautions that these nations must also “do their part to defend our shared interests.” This comes in the wake of recent tensions between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump controversially stated, “Canada lives because of the United States.”
The strategy asserts that the US will engage with neighbors “in good faith,” yet it emphasizes the expectation that these countries will respect and contribute to shared defense interests. Should they fail to do so, the document suggests that the US is prepared to take “focused, decisive action” to advance its own interests.
Implications for NATO and Global Security
The doctrine introduces an “America First” philosophy that supports the White House’s National Security Strategy of non-intervention abroad. It critically reassesses longstanding alliances, aiming to prioritize US interests in military partnerships. The last National Defence Strategy was issued in 2022 under President Joe Biden, which characterized China as America’s “pacing challenge.”
As Trump continues to advocate for an increased US presence in Greenland, he has indicated that a recent NATO deal provides “total access” to the mineral-rich territory. While the US military has historically had access to Greenland under existing treaties, its presence has significantly diminished since the Cold War, now restricted to a single small base.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has announced plans to collaborate with Denmark to enhance defense capabilities in the region. Following discussions with Trump, Rutte expressed optimism about the forthcoming security arrangements, stating, “I have no doubt we can do this quite fast.”
During his remarks at Davos, Trump commented on the reliability of NATO allies, questioning whether the 32-member military alliance would come to America’s aid in a crisis. He stated, “I know them all very well. I’m not sure that they’d be there. I know we’d be there for them.” This assertion overlooks the sacrifices made by NATO forces in Afghanistan, where hundreds of allied troops, including 457 British servicemen, lost their lives fighting alongside US forces.
On a positive note, Trump later acknowledged the valor of British troops, calling them “among the greatest of all warriors.” As the US pivots its defense strategy, the implications for international relations and global security remain to be fully realized.
