Trump’s National Security Strategy: A Pragmatic Shift Away From Global Leadership?

The recently released National Security Strategy report from the Trump administration signals a potential recalibration of US foreign policy. Departing from previous administrations’ focus on global leadership and democratic values, the report prioritizes “America First,” economic strength, and a transactional approach to international relations. This analysis examines the key takeaways from the report, its implications for US-China relations, and the future of Taiwan.

Background: The Genesis of the National Security Strategy

The US National Security Strategy has its roots in the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986, which mandated the regular publication of a report outlining the nation’s security objectives. This report, drafted by the National Security Council with input from the Pentagon and State Department, serves as a policy guide for federal agencies. Unlike legislation, it doesn’t require Congressional approval but carries significant influence as an executive branch directive.

• The Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 mandated the regular release of a national security strategy report.
• The report addresses key issues such as threats, available tools, national interests, and security plans.
• The report is drafted by the National Security Council, Pentagon, and State Department, reflecting the administration’s policy direction.

The recent report’s release was reportedly delayed due to disagreements between Treasury Secretary Besant and the Pentagon over the characterization of China in the National Defense Strategy. Besant advocated for a less confrontational tone, highlighting the ongoing trade war and the need for consistent messaging between the two strategic documents. The National Security Strategy, in many ways, mirrors China’s Government Work Report, National Security Strategy Outline, and Defense White Paper.

Core Principles: “America First,” Balance of Power, and Fairness

The report emphasizes three core principles guiding US strategy:

• America First: Prioritizing the security, prosperity, and sovereignty of the United States above all else. This includes securing borders, rebuilding the domestic economy, and avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts.
• Balance of Power: Preventing the rise of any single nation that could threaten American interests. This involves working with partners to counter potential rivals and maintain a stable international order.
• Fairness: Seeking reciprocity in trade and a more equitable distribution of military burdens among allies. This includes addressing trade imbalances, ensuring access to critical resources, and encouraging allies to contribute more to their own defense.

The departure from previous administrations is striking, moving away from promoting democracy or global leadership to a focus on national interests. The report criticizes past policies of globalization and free trade, arguing they undermined the American middle class and industrial base.

Regional Strategies: Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and the Asia-Pacific

The report outlines specific strategies for different regions of the world.

Europe

The report criticizes Europe’s “civilizational decline,” attributing it to left-wing liberalism, large-scale immigration, and low birth rates. It calls for European nations to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and take greater responsibility for their own security. The report also signals a potential shift away from NATO expansion, emphasizing a more coordinated rather than dominant role for the US in the alliance.

Western Hemisphere

The report advocates for an upgraded Monroe Doctrine, aimed at preventing major powers, particularly China, from gaining influence in Latin America. The US considers the region a core interest due to its proximity, the flow of illegal immigration and drugs, and the growing presence of Chinese companies.

Asia-Pacific

The report identifies the Asia-Pacific as the main battleground for global economic competition. It criticizes past administrations for underestimating China’s rise and its strategic use of economic power. The US and China are framed as long-term strategic competitors, with the report emphasizing the importance of economic strength and re-industrialization for the US to maintain its position.

The Taiwan Question: Strategic Value vs. Bargaining Chip

The report highlights Taiwan’s strategic importance to the US, citing its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing and its critical location within the first island chain. The US aims to deter China from using force to take Taiwan by strengthening its military capabilities. However, the report notably omits any mention of democracy or universal values in relation to Taiwan, focusing solely on its strategic value to the United States.

This transactional approach raises concerns about Taiwan’s long-term security. While the report offers short-term reassurance, it also suggests that Taiwan could become a bargaining chip in future negotiations with China if deterrence fails. This perspective may incentivize China to accelerate its military buildup, potentially undermining the US’s ability to maintain stability in the region.

Conclusion: A Pragmatic Reassessment

The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy represents a pragmatic reassessment of US foreign policy. By prioritizing “America First,” economic competition, and a transactional approach, the report signals a potential shift away from global leadership and a greater focus on national interests. While the strategy offers some benefits, such as a clearer focus on economic competitiveness and a recognition of Taiwan’s strategic value, it also raises concerns about the long-term implications for US alliances and the stability of the international order.