National Defense Strategy

The National Defense Strategy (NDS) is a Pentagon blueprint that translates the President's national security doctrine into concrete military policy. Recent news highlights shifts in the NDS under the Trump administration. The 2026 NDS, released by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, elevates Israel as a "model ally," suggesting increased military cooperation. Simultaneously, the NDS appears to downplay the threat posed by China, prioritizing the Western Hemisphere instead. This shift has implications for US allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, the Pentagon plans to reduce its role in deterring North Korea, assigning primary responsibility to South Korea, a move that could raise concerns in Seoul given the ongoing military threat from the North. These developments indicate a re-prioritization of US military focus and a potential restructuring of alliances and responsibilities.