Context:
- The U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) released by the second Trump administration outlines a revised foreign policy doctrine centred on “America First”.
- Unlike earlier U.S. approaches focused on global dominance and nation-building, the document emphasises strategic restraint, transactional diplomacy, and national interest-based engagement.
Key Highlights:
Core Philosophy of the Strategy
- Foreign policy rooted in realism, prioritising U.S. interests over ideological commitments.
- Rejection of nation-building abroad and large-scale interventionism.
- Focus on stability through balance of power, rather than universal liberal order.
Approach to Major Powers
- Russia:
- Preference for strategic stability over confrontation.
- Acceptance of Russia as a key power in Europe’s security architecture.
- China:
- Recognition of a new balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
- Competition framed as strategic, economic, and technological rather than ideological.
Europe and Transatlantic Relations
- Reduced emphasis on U.S. leadership in European security.
- Expectation that European allies take greater responsibility for their defence.
- NATO cooperation remains, but on burden-sharing and U.S. advantage.
Shift from Liberal Internationalism
- Departure from promotion of democracy, human rights, and regime change as foreign policy goals.
- Prioritisation of sovereignty, borders, and national interest.
- Foreign policy decisions guided by cost–benefit calculations.
Economic & Technological Dimensions
- National security linked with economic competitiveness.
- Emphasis on:
- Supply chain security
- Technological dominance
- Energy independence
- Reduced tolerance for globalisation that undermines U.S. industry.
Global Order & Multilateralism
- Skepticism towards multilateral institutions unless they serve U.S. interests.
- Preference for bilateral deals over broad international commitments.
- Retreat from the idea of the U.S. as a global stabiliser or moral leader.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS):
- A document outlining U.S. foreign, defence, and security priorities.
- Key Concepts:
- America First
- Strategic restraint
- Balance of power
- Major Shifts:
- From liberal internationalism → interest-based realism
- Impact Areas:
- Europe, Indo-Pacific, global institutions
Relevant Mains Points:
- Conceptual Understanding:
- Reflects realist school of International Relations.
- Emphasises sovereignty, power politics, and national interest.
- Global Implications:
- Weakening of U.S.-led liberal world order.
- Greater uncertainty in alliances and multilateral regimes.
- Increased scope for regional powers to assert influence.
- Impact on Global Governance:
- Reduced commitment to climate action, human rights, and global public goods.
- Way Forward (Global Perspective):
- Need for middle powers to adopt strategic autonomy.
- Strengthening regional multilateralism to fill leadership gaps.
- Reform of global institutions to reflect multipolar realities.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper II: International Relations, Global politics
- GS Paper III: Strategic affairs, Economic security
- GS Paper IV: Ethics in international conduct, national interest vs global responsibility