A Bold 2025 National Security Strategy

"OPINION - Out with a "rules-based international order" and in with "U.S. core national interests", according to the U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) of 2025. The NSS was not well-received by many of the 32 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Indeed, saying good-bye to the U.S. as the guarantor of global order will be difficult for many of our allies and partners, who will be expected to contribute more to their own defense and security."

"The NSS correctly focused on Taiwan and its dominance of semiconductor production and, also, Taiwan's direct access to the Second Island Chain, splitting Northeast and Southeast Asia into two distinct theaters, and the one-third of global shipping that passes annually through the South China Sea and its implications for the U.S. economy. The NSS is clear in stating that deterring a conflict over Taiwan is a priority, making it clear that the U.S. does not support any unilateral change"

U.S. National Security Strategy 2025 reorients policy from a rules-based international order toward protection of U.S. core national interests. NATO members reacted negatively as allies will need to assume greater defense responsibilities. Europe and the Middle East receive lower priority and Russia faces minimal criticism. The Western Hemisphere is designated the primary U.S. security region, emphasizing border control, mass migration, narco-trafficking and transnational crime. The strategy elevates the Indo-Pacific, urges deeper commercial ties with India and Quad alignment, and directs investment in undersea, space, nuclear, AI, quantum, autonomous systems and related energy capabilities. Taiwan deterrence and semiconductor security are declared priorities.

Read at The Cipher Brief