President Donald J. Trump has announced a new National Security Strategy aimed at advancing America's interests and addressing global challenges. This strategy, unveiled less than a year into his presidency, outlines a strategic direction intended to restore the United States' advantages globally and build on its strengths.
The 2017 National Security Strategy is built upon nearly a year of presidential actions designed to enhance respect for the U.S. abroad and renew confidence domestically. It emphasizes four key national interests or "four pillars": protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, preserving peace through strength, and advancing American influence.
The strategy addresses significant challenges posed by revisionist powers like China and Russia, regional dictatorships spreading terror, jihadist terrorists inciting violence, and transnational criminal organizations contributing to drug-related violence. The approach is described as "principled realism," recognizing power's role in international politics while promoting American principles worldwide.
To protect the homeland, President Trump emphasizes border control and immigration reform. He identifies jihadist terrorists and transnational criminal organizations as major threats and advocates targeting these threats at their source. Efforts will be increased to protect critical infrastructure and digital networks from new vulnerabilities.
Promoting American prosperity involves rejuvenating the economy for workers and companies while pursuing fair economic relationships internationally. The U.S. aims to lead in research, technology, innovation, and energy dominance to maintain open international markets.
Preserving peace through strength involves rebuilding military capabilities across various domains such as space and cyber. America expects allies to share responsibility for common threats while maintaining favorable power balances in regions like the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.
Advancing American influence includes enhancing diplomatic efforts overseas to protect national interests and promote prosperity. The U.S. seeks partnerships with like-minded states to foster free market economies, political stability, and peace while championing values such as rule of law and individual rights.