President Donald Trump’s administration has released a new National Security Strategy, setting out the most comprehensive vision of American foreign policy of his second term. The 33-page document, which outlines military, economic and security priorities, delivers dramatic warnings about the state of Europe, announces a redefinition of relations with NATO allies and confirms a radical shift in America’s global priorities.
Trump called the strategy “a roadmap to ensure that America remains the greatest and most successful nation in human history”.
Europe at the centre of criticism: “The continent will be unrecognizable in 20 years”
The most resonant messages of the document concern Europe, which is described in extremely pessimistic tones. The strategy claims that the European continent is facing: a deep economic decline, a weakening of national identities, political turmoil within the EU and a demographic collapse.
If current trends continue, the document states: “Europe could become unrecognizable in 20 years or even sooner, and its economic challenges pale in comparison to a more serious threat: civilizational obliteration.”
Even more pointedly, the strategy questions the ability of some European countries to remain reliable American allies.
“It is not obvious that certain European states will have strong enough economies and militaries to maintain their status as reliable partners for the United States.”
Attacking the EU and supranational bodies: Undermining freedom and sovereignty
The National Security Strategy directly accuses the European Union and “other transnational structures” of violating political freedom and undermining the sovereignty of member states. In addition, the strategy lists a list of problems on the continent: “divisive” migration policies, the suppression of political opposition, censorship of free speech, the collapse of the birth rate, and the loss of national self-confidence.
In contrast, the document praises “patriotic European parties” and encourages political actors who advocate the return of “Western identity.”
The US administration has long cultivated close relations with the far-right German party AfD, which the German intelligence agency has classified as an extreme right-wing organization.
Reactions from Europe: We do not need lessons
European politicians began to react almost immediately. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul dismissed criticism from Washington. “Germany does not need advice from outside. Freedom of speech and the order of our society are not the subject of American strategies.”
Wadephul stressed that the US remains a key ally, but that NATO should remain focused on security issues, not on redefining European social norms.
The document also addresses Russia, arguing that Europe is showing a “lack of self-confidence” in its policy towards Moscow. The war in Ukraine is cited as a central issue for European security, but also as an area where a strong American role is needed.
The Trump administration has proposed a plan to end the war, the first version of which included Ukraine handing over part of its territory to Russian de facto control. His envoy presented a revised proposal in Moscow, while Vladimir Putin said that Russia would take Donbas by force if the Ukrainian army did not withdraw. The US stated in the document that “turning the European stance towards Russia and ending the war” was a key American national issue.
A Shift to the Western Hemisphere: The US Shifts Strategic Focus
One of the most important parts of the new strategy is the announcement of a shift in US military capabilities from other parts of the world to the Western Hemisphere — particularly the Caribbean and northern Latin America. The document emphasizes the need to strengthen the US military presence in the “near neighborhood” and thwart threats from outside the hemisphere, but also to redirect resources from “less important theaters” around the world.
This shift is already visible: the US military is operating intensively in the Caribbean, conducting deadly strikes on ships allegedly transporting drugs, and the largest warship in the world, the USS Gerald Ford, with its group, is currently stationed in the region.
The Pacific and China: Strengthening the Presence in the Western Pacific and Defending Taiwan
Far from American shores, the document identifies the South China Sea as a key focus for global trade and the US economy. The strategy envisages a significant strengthening of US military infrastructure in the Western Pacific and calls on traditional Asian allies to increase defense investments.
The US expects greater engagement from Japan, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan.
One of the most clearly stated priorities is preventing conflict over Taiwan, ideally by maintaining US military superiority. China considers Taiwan its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to “reunify” it.
The document ends by stressing the need for a stronger US industrial base and reducing dependence on foreign technology. This coincides with Trump’s policy of massive tariffs, new trade agreements and efforts to bring manufacturing back to the US.
