What’s behind the recent shift in US defence strategy?

Inside StoryWashington has revealed its new national defence strategy. Last month, the United States published a National Security Strategy that marked a clear departure from its post-Cold War policies.This week, a Pentagon Defense Strategy followed, echoing what was revealed by the White House.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Envoys from US meet Netanyahu as Israel continues to bomb Gazalist 2 of 3US military moves Navy, Air Force assets to the Middle East: What to knowlist 3 of 3Why is Trump upending 80 years of US foreign policy?end of listRooted in President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach, it prioritises homeland security and influence in the Western Hemisphere.The new strategy came as no surprise. Trump and his officials have been engaged in often-heated debates with close allies about what role the US is expected to play in their defence.So, what’s the fallout for America’s allies around the world?Presenter: James BaysGuests: Adam Clements – US foreign policy analyst and former Pentagon officialMarina Miron – Researcher with Defence Studies Department at King’s College LondonYoungshik Bong – Visiting professor at the Graduate School of International Studies at Yonsei University and adviser to South Korea’s Ministry of National DefencePublished On 25 Jan 2026