According to NBC News, the new strategy includes a significant change in approaches previously established under the Biden administration. In particular, the military department intends to focus on strengthening border security and combating drug trafficking, emphasizing that the U.S. does not plan to adopt isolationism but expects greater responsibility from its allies.
The first priority concerns policy in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. has declared its intention to prevent "concessions of key territories" in this region and to provide President Donald Trump with "credible options" for protecting military and commercial interests in strategically important areas such as Greenland, the American Gulf, and the Panama Canal. The document mentions the Monroe Doctrine, according to which the Western Hemisphere is considered a sphere of influence of the United States.
The second most important focus is China. The report emphasizes that Washington does not seek to "suffocate or humiliate" Beijing and will employ a deterrence approach "through strength, not confrontation." It also notes that the military power of the United States should support Donald Trump's "foresighted and realistic diplomacy," contributing to a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The third important direction is the redistribution of military commitments among allies, with an emphasis on the need for increased defense spending by partners such as Canada, Mexico, and European countries.
The fourth priority is the restoration of the U.S. defense industrial base.
Russia is briefly mentioned in the report, characterized as a "resilient but manageable threat" to Eastern NATO members in the near future. It also emphasizes the need to maintain "the readiness of American forces to defend against Russian threats on U.S. territory."
The report was released against the backdrop of Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, which he has repeatedly mentioned during his campaign. Analysts note that the 2026 strategy version is more politicized compared to previous documents, reflecting criticism of past administrations.
In the concluding part of the report, it states that Washington has "ignored" the priorities of Americans for too long, while previous administrations spent resources on large projects and promises to uphold an "rules-based" international order.
