New US security strategy increases pressure on Europe, returns to hemispheric defence

The United States has unveiled a new National Security Strategy, which, according to the White House, responds to „fundamental shifts in global power, technological threats, and the changing nature of conflict.“ The document prioritises the direct protection of American territory, strategic self-sufficiency, and strengthening US influence in its immediate neighbourhood. According to Reuters, this is the biggest reassessment of US security priorities in the last decade.

One of the main pillars of the strategy is a return to focusing on the Western Hemisphere. According to the Financial Times, the Defence Secretary said that the Monroe Doctrine is „once again fully relevant“ and that the United States will not tolerate the growing influence of foreign powers in Latin America and the Caribbean. The document emphasises the fight against drug cartels, illegal migration, arms smuggling and cyber threats coming from this region. The US wants to significantly strengthen its military and intelligence presence in the area.

The section devoted to Europe attracted considerable attention. According to Reuters, the strategy warns that European countries are facing a „profound demographic, economic and security crisis“. The document questions the ability of some European countries to meet their NATO commitments in the long term and calls on Europe to take „primary responsibility“ for its own defence. According to a Politico analyst, Washington is making it clear that it no longer wants to remain the main guarantor of European security.

With regard to China, the strategy confirms that the Indo-Pacific region remains a key area of global competition. The White House speaks of the need to contain Chinese influence, protect sea lanes and maintain US technological superiority. At the same time, however, the document emphasises that the economic interdependence of the two powers requires „managed competition without direct military escalation“.

The stance towards Russia is less confrontational than in previous years. The strategy speaks of the need for „strategic stability“, arms control and limiting the risk of direct conflict between nuclear powers. Support for Ukraine remains a priority, but at the same time the need for a future negotiated solution to the conflict is acknowledged.

The document also places strong emphasis on the defence industry, cyber security, critical infrastructure protection and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers of strategic raw materials and technologies. According to Politico, this is a clear signal that the United States is entering an era of long-term systemic competition with other powers.

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