The newly released (November 2025) US National Security Strategy (NSS) introduced a “America First” doctrine based on self-interest and pragmatism, avoiding ideologies. Further, while reading between the lines of the strategy, democracy is no longer a priority for the US; rather, it focuses its actions on what makes the US stronger and wealthier. Many IR pundits argue that a more siloed America will eventually become weaker.

While discussing Europe, the NSS shares a divergent view about the Trans-Atlantic partnership, meaning the US wants Europe to take the burden of its own security. Further, the NSS openly criticizes Europe’s cultural decline, leading to low birth rates and identity loss. The tone of the NSS document sounds more like far-right narratives, sparking alarm in Brussels and other European capitals. In the case of the Russia-Ukraine war, the NSS strikes against Europe by implying that Europe lacks self-confidence in dealing with Russia.

In the case of China, the NSS states that the US is committed to non-interference and respect for China’s sovereignty. But the growing interest of the US in Latin America through a Monroe Doctrine approach may be disliked by China, as it has growing business ambitions in the region.

Further, the NSS touches upon the rules-based international order, in which the document mentions that the US facilitated market development for China, making China richer and stronger, believing that it would end up supporting a rules-based international order. But interestingly, China has put considerable influence on the US.

While discussing India, the NSS says that the US will continue to improve commercial and other relations with India to encourage New Delhi to contribute to Indo-Pacific security through quadrilateral cooperation with Australia, Japan, and the United States (“the Quad”). This sounds contradictory to the policies that President Trump is taking in the public sphere, including imposing tariffs and other friction in India-US relations.

With regard to the strategic priorities of the NSS, it has mentioned ending mass migration, protecting core liberties (speech, religion, and democracy), burden-shifting allies through taking primary responsibility, economic security through balanced trade, securing supply chains, reindustrialization, defense industrial base revival, U.S. energy dominance, and stronger U.S. financial power.

In the Middle East, the document argues that peace will be achieve through expanded Abraham Accords as well as ensuring the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea remain open.

In Africa, the NSS prioritized aid over investment, focusing on energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, conflict resolution, and preventing Islamist terrorism without long-term deployments.

In conclusion, Trump’s approach is more inward-driven or America First, and it will be interesting to see how this NSS document continues and is sustained under upcoming US leadership.