The Pentagon has redefined its defence strategy, urging allies, including the United Kingdom, to take greater responsibility for their own security. This shift is outlined in the new National Defence Strategy document, released on January 24, 2026, which marks the first comprehensive update since 2022. The 34-page document criticises European and Asian partners for historically relying on US military support and calls for a significant change in approach.
The new strategy emphasizes the need for allies to shoulder more of the defence burden, particularly in countering threats from nations like Russia and North Korea. It states, “For too long, the US government neglected – even rejected – putting Americans and their concrete interests first.” This marks a departure from previous administrations, which often prioritized collective security arrangements.
America First: A New Focus
The document represents a continuation of the “America First” philosophy espoused by former President Donald Trump, who has emphasized prioritizing US interests. It shifts the focus away from viewing China as a primary adversary. The Pentagon now perceives China as a stable force in the Indo-Pacific region that requires deterrence to prevent dominance over the US or its allies. The strategy asserts, “This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle.”
In detailing the strategy, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the department will explore “credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain,” particularly in strategic locations such as Greenland and the Panama Canal. While urging cooperation with neighbours like Canada, the document stresses that these countries must also “do their part to defend our shared interests.”
The strategy has already sparked diplomatic tensions. During the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a public disagreement erupted between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with Carney rejecting Trump’s claim that “Canada lives because of the United States.”
Regional Security Responsibilities
The Pentagon’s new stance reasserts a commitment to regional security but places the onus of defence on allies. The document notes that South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea, suggesting a shift towards a more self-reliant security posture in Asia. For Europe, while acknowledging that “Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat,” it argues that NATO allies should assume greater responsibility for their own conventional defence.
The strategy has implications for US military presence in Europe, including indications that troop levels along NATO’s eastern borders may be reduced. This has raised concerns among European allies about the potential for a security vacuum amid rising Russian aggression.
In contrast to previous policies, the current strategy does not guarantee support for Taiwan, the self-governing island claimed by China. This diverges from the Biden administration’s 2022 approach, which explicitly stated the commitment to supporting Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
The Pentagon’s shift comes just days after Trump announced a “framework of a future deal” concerning Arctic security with NATO leader Mark Rutte, which reportedly would grant the US “total access” to Greenland. Danish officials have indicated that formal negotiations are yet to begin.
As the US recalibrates its foreign policy and defence strategy, the emphasis on self-reliance among allies and the prioritization of American interests represent a significant turning point in international relations. The implications of this new strategy will undoubtedly be felt across the globe, as allies adjust to a landscape where American military support may not be as readily available as in the past.
