The White House’s newly published National Security Strategy outlines a recalibration of the United States’ approach to global power, portraying past foreign policy doctrines as unsustainable and emphasizing a renewed focus on core national interests in a more competitive and complex world.

The document begins by critiquing the post–Cold War consensus that Washington should “prop up the entire world order” indefinitely and asserts that U.S. power must be grounded in concrete national interests rather than unfettered global dominance.

The strategy affirms that a strong economy, robust industrial base, technological leadership and sovereign border control are essential to securing America’s future position on the world stage.

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The document explicitly rejects the idea of permanent American global domination while simultaneously affirming the United States’ intent to maintain leadership in key areas including economic strength, military capability and technological innovation.

It frames this priority as necessary to protect national security, support allies and deter potential adversaries, rather than as a commitment to unilateral intervention.

The strategy explains that U.S. influence should be exercised through a “focused definition of national interest” that prioritises territorial security, economic resilience, and global influence that aligns with American values and interests.

The new policy also reflects the broader geopolitical shifts that have marked recent years, with rising powers in Asia and renewed debates about the U.S. role in Europe and other regions.

It underscores that America’s strength stems from its domestic foundations — its industrial capacity, innovation ecosystem and economic dynamism — and that these elements must be the basis for any effective global strategy.

Such framing acknowledges ongoing debates among scholars and policymakers about whether the United States is experiencing a phase of relative decline in global hegemony even as it remains a dominant power with unmatched capabilities.

While the strategy reframes U.S. global engagement, it maintains that American leadership remains pivotal and that Washington will continue to shape international outcomes in ways consistent with national interests and national security priorities.