Elbridge Colby

Elbridge Colby is the US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, a key figure in shaping the Pentagon's National Defense Strategy. He is newsworthy due to his recent diplomatic efforts and public statements regarding NATO, European defense capabilities, and the US's strategic focus on deterring China. Colby recently visited Brussels to address NATO defense ministers, urging them to increase their combat capabilities and take greater responsibility for European defense, suggesting a shift towards "partnerships not dependencies." He also visited South Korea, signaling a potential expanded role for US forces there to deter China beyond North Korea. His actions reflect the Trump administration's approach of encouraging allies to increase defense spending while the US focuses on challenges posed by China and other global threats. Colby's views are significant as they represent a shift in US defense policy, emphasizing burden-sharing and a focus on great power competition.