By The Scowcroft Group

December 8, 2025

Every US administration promulgates a “National Security Strategy” (NSS). The NSS tends to be very broad and may, or may not, be the basis of intended policy changes. Donald Trump’s National Security Strategy (NSS) is a political document, clearly written not by defense and security experts but by America First isolationists in the White House. It admitted the unfeasibility of a unipolar US-led world, celebrated a focus on the Western hemisphere (the “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine), supported the demise of the European project, and sought “strategic stability” with Russia, emphasizing a Ukraine peace deal as a “core interest” of the US. Moscow applauded the document while European allies were understandably alarmed by its anti-EU tone.

While the NSS will not necessarily translate into action, its tone could influence the posture of other countries towards the US and in the geopolitical arena. US rivals likely view it as further encouragement to expand their spheres of influence and continue projects that undermine US international standing (e.g., de-dollarization efforts). Notably, the document’s focus on sovereignty (the “Primacy of Nations”) and derision for international norms and institutions echoes traditional Chinese and Russian talking points – an important narrative, if not immediately practical, shift.

The upcoming (underreported) companion National Defense Strategy (NDS) – previewed by Hegseth this weekend – is more significant. That document will determine DOD budget priorities and result in concrete moves by the US (e.g., redeployment of troops, potentially from Europe to the Western Hemisphere). We are awaiting release of the full NDS and watching Congressional action for cues on what DOD programs will see increases and where military spending and arms sales are headed.

The Scowcroft Group is a Washington, D.C.-based international business advisory firm founded by the late Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Advisor to Presidents George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford. Its principals generously provide Policy’s regular Letter from Washington.