Context:
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The U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) 2025 signals a major transformation in how America views its global role, shifting away from liberal multilateralism toward a more hierarchical and exclusionary world order.
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This strategy impacts international relations, global economic governance, and the future of alliances, especially through conditional partnerships rather than shared values.
Key Highlights:
Policy / Institutional Restructuring
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed restructuring the G-20 into an elite “inner caucus” of powerful states, reducing broad representation.
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This reflects a move toward decision-making concentrated among fewer dominant countries.
Internal Political Revolution
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The NSS prioritizes internal cohesion as a national security requirement:
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Cultural unity
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Ideological alignment
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Demographic stability
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Traditional moral norms are being replaced with an ethos where transgression is framed as authenticity, reshaping political morality.
Foreign Policy Revolution: Conditional Alliances
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U.S. alliances are increasingly framed as transactional contracts, not enduring partnerships.
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Key shifts include:
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Western Hemisphere prioritized (revival of Monroe Doctrine mindset)
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Allied compliance made contingent on ideological vetting
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Multilateral institutions seen as infringements on sovereignty
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Economic Governance Revolution
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The NSS promotes a tiered global economy, with unequal burdens placed on weaker states.
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Key economic tools include:
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Reshoring of industries
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Tariff leverage
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Industrial sovereignty
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Push toward a hemispheric economic model centered on North America rather than open global trade.
Ideological Blueprint Alignment
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The Heritage Foundation’s blueprint “Restoring America’s Promise: 2025–26” aligns with NSS goals by advocating:
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Bureaucratic remaking
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Ideological screening
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Stronger executive-driven governance
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Significance / Concerns
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These revolutions reflect a revival of a colonial-imperial hierarchy, where powerful states impose costs on weaker ones.
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Risks include:
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Weakening of rules-based order
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Fragmentation of multilateral governance
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Greater instability in global economic cooperation
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Relevant Prelims Points:
Issue + Causes
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Issue: Shift in U.S. strategy from liberal multilateralism to hierarchical global governance.
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Causes:
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Domestic polarization and identity politics
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Perceived decline of U.S. dominance
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Competition with China and Russia
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Impact
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Global institutions may weaken as U.S. promotes selective partnerships.
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Developing states may face exclusion from decision-making in trade and finance.
Relevant Mains Points:
Conceptual Dimensions
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NSS 2025 represents a shift from:
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Collective security → Transactional alliances
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Multilateralism → Sovereignty-first hierarchy
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Open trade → Hemispheric protectionism
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Governance and IR Implications
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Conditional partnerships undermine trust in alliances like NATO and G-20 cooperation.
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Ideological vetting risks politicizing global diplomacy.
Economic Implications
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Reshoring and tariff-based leverage may trigger:
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Trade fragmentation
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Supply chain regionalization
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Increased North–South divide
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Way Forward
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Global stability requires:
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Strengthening inclusive multilateralism
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Reforming institutions without exclusion
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Balanced economic cooperation rather than coercive hierarchy
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India and other middle powers must pursue strategic autonomy amid shifting U.S. priorities.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2 (International Relations): Changing U.S. alliances, multilateralism vs sovereignty
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GS 2 (Polity): Internal cohesion linked to national security, ideological governance
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GS 3 (Economy): Reshoring, tariffs, industrial sovereignty, global economic restructuring