The United States has officially announced a significant shift in its military and geopolitical strategy with the release of the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS). This Pentagon document redefines the country's security interests, moving away from the globalist perspective that dominated previous decades.
The current mantra is unmistakable: America First.
This new doctrine focuses on protecting the homeland, strengthening the Western Hemisphere—with a particular emphasis on Latin America—and providing more restrained international military support, even towards Europe.
Latin America: From Strategic Neglect to Central Focus
In a remarkable change, Latin America has ascended to the forefront of U.S. defense policy for the first time in decades. This shift aims to "restore American military dominance in the Western Hemisphere," as stated by the Pentagon.
This redefinition is designed to secure the homeland, manage key strategic routes, and ensure access to essential areas within the region. The United States plans to bolster its military presence in Latin America, aligning with the National Security Strategy of December 2025.
The impact of this new vision is already evident: Since Donald Trump's return to power, direct military actions have been authorized, including the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as assaults on vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, which reportedly resulted in over a hundred deaths.
The message is clear: The Western Hemisphere is once again seen as a vital area for U.S. national security, echoing Cold War-era security doctrines, but now under the rhetoric of the "new American golden age."
Goodbye to Global Tutelage: Allies Must Step Up
One of the most notable aspects of the new strategy is the reevaluation of the role of Washington's longstanding allies. The document emphasizes that "allies will take the lead in confronting threats that are less significant to us but more critical to them." The U.S. will offer support, but in a more limited capacity, encouraging regional partners to take primary responsibility for their own defense.
"While U.S. forces focus on homeland defense and the Indo-Pacific, our allies and partners elsewhere will bear the main responsibility for their own defense, with crucial but more limited support from U.S. forces," the Pentagon states.
Europe, once the centerpiece of U.S. foreign military policy, is now given a lesser priority. Although the commitment to NATO remains, Russia is described as a "persistent but manageable" threat, with expectations that European countries will increase their defense spending without relying on Washington.
Military and commercial access to key areas like Greenland is secured through bilateral agreements, eliminating the need for massive deployments.
China and Russia: From Existential Rivals to Negotiable Adversaries
Another significant shift is the more moderate tone toward China and Russia. The 2022 strategy, drafted during the Biden administration, labeled China as "the most consequential challenge" and Russia as an "acute threat."
Now, however, the document avoids mentioning Taiwan and suggests "respectful" relations with Beijing, making it clear that the U.S. is not seeking regime change or existential confrontation.
Regarding Russia, it is defined as a "persistent" threat, primarily affecting "eastern NATO members," reinforcing the notion that Washington will delegate more responsibilities to its European allies.
Border Security: Internal Priority and Nationalist Discourse
National defense extends beyond military threats, as the document draws a direct connection between national security and immigration. It criticizes previous administrations for neglecting the border, leading to an "influx of illegal immigrants" and a surge in drug trafficking.
"Border security is national security," the text underscores, promising to enhance measures to secure borders and deport undocumented immigrants.
This stance aligns with Donald Trump's more stringent agenda, explicitly linking immigration challenges to the global strategic order.
Middle East, Korea, and Indo-Pacific: Selective Engagements
The document also addresses other global regions but with a narrower focus:
Korea: South Korea is urged to assume the "primary responsibility" for deterring North Korea, although U.S. "crucial support" will continue. This change could pave the way for reducing U.S. troop numbers on the Korean Peninsula.
Indo-Pacific: The commitment to contain China is reaffirmed, albeit from a negotiation-oriented perspective.
"An acceptable peace is possible, favorable to Americans but also acceptable to China and under which it can live," the document states.
Middle East: Pressure on Iran remains, but without clear signs of military escalation. The Pentagon warns that Tehran might attempt to rebuild its military capabilities and possibly seek a nuclear weapon. In contrast, Israel is described as a "model ally," solidifying its role as a priority partner in the region.
A Nationalism-Fueled Document
The new strategy, which will guide the Department of Defense until 2030, carries a telling subtitle: "Restoring Peace Through Strength for a New American Golden Age." This formulation, rich in symbolism, signals that the paradigm of multilateral leadership has been replaced by a nationalist vision of regional dominance and pragmatic containment.
"Through this common-sense America First approach, U.S. alliances and partners play an essential role, but not as the dependencies of the past generation," the Pentagon concludes.
The National Defense Strategy 2026 document marks a turning point in U.S. foreign and military policy. In an era marked by multipolarity, Washington redefines its red lines: homeland defense, control of the Western Hemisphere, measured containment of China, and distancing from excessive commitments in other regions.
For Latin America, this strategy signals a new cycle of regional militarization and increased geopolitical pressure under the logic of hemispheric security.
Key Questions About the 2026 U.S. Defense Strategy
What are the main priorities of the 2026 National Defense Strategy?
The primary priorities include homeland defense, reinforcing the Western Hemisphere, and providing limited international military support, with a focus on Latin America.
How has the role of Latin America changed in U.S. defense policy?
Latin America has become a central focus, with an emphasis on restoring U.S. military dominance in the Western Hemisphere and increasing military presence in the region.
What is the new approach towards China and Russia?
The strategy adopts a more moderate tone, aiming for respectful relations with China and viewing Russia as a persistent yet manageable threat, delegating more responsibilities to European allies.