Understanding President Trump's National Security Strategy

The Council on Foreign Relations hosts a panel discussion analyzing the newly released National Security Strategy (NSS). Rebecca Lissner introduces the key themes, highlighting its departure from previous strategies, particularly regarding great power competition and its focus on domestic globalist elites. Mike Froman discusses the document's definition of strategy and prioritization, noting inconsistencies between stated goals and actions. Will Freeman emphasizes the elevated importance of the Western Hemisphere, focusing on migration and organized crime. Liana Fix examines the European reaction, the potential impact of the strategy, and the consequences for European policy. David Sacks addresses the China and Indo-Pacific elements, noting the absence of great power competition rhetoric. Paul Stares critiques the administration's claims of peacemaking and the global conflict picture. The panel also discusses elements missing from the NSS, including the omission of North Korea, the Russia-China link in Ukraine, and the lack of focus on corruption.