By Micah Jonah | January 24, 2026
The United States military has announced a major shift in its global security priorities, placing stronger emphasis on homeland defence and countering China, while reducing the level of support traditionally provided to allies in Europe and other regions.
This was disclosed in the 2026 National Defense Strategy document released by the Pentagon on Friday, outlining the strategic direction of the US armed forces under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to the document, American forces will concentrate more on protecting the United States, strengthening military posture in the Indo Pacific, while allies in Europe and other parts of the world are expected to take primary responsibility for their own defence with limited support from Washington.
The strategy also adopts a softer tone towards China, Russia compared to previous policy documents. China is described within the framework of maintaining respectful relations, while Russia is referred to as a persistent but manageable challenge, particularly to NATO’s eastern borders.
Notably, the document made no reference to Taiwan, an issue that has long remained a sensitive flashpoint between Washington and Beijing.
The new strategy marks a clear departure from the previous National Defense Strategy released under former President Joe Biden, which described China as the most significant long term challenge to the United States and Russia as an acute military threat.
The Pentagon document further places strong focus on border security, linking illegal migration and narcotics trafficking to national security concerns. It states that the military will support efforts to secure US borders, repel illegal crossings and assist in deportation operations where required.
Climate change, previously identified as an emerging security risk under the former administration, was also omitted entirely from the new defence policy framework.
In addition, the strategy elevates Latin America as a top regional priority, with the Pentagon stating that the United States will seek to restore military dominance in the Western Hemisphere to protect access to strategic terrain and secure its southern approaches.
The document references the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, reaffirming Washington’s position against rival powers expanding influence in Latin America.
Since returning to office, President Trump has increased military involvement in the region, including operations against suspected drug trafficking networks and actions that have drawn international attention and criticism over civilian safety and legal concerns.
The new defence strategy is expected to shape US military deployments, international partnerships in the coming years, signaling a more inward focused posture alongside selective global engagement.
