US National Security Strategy 2025 Overview
The US National Security Strategy (NSS) 2025 represents a significant departure from the longstanding framework of American foreign policy since World War II. It outlines the external vision of the inward-focused America First movement and provides both challenges and opportunities for countries like India in adjusting to the shift in US policy.
Core Concerns and Shifts
- Make America Great Again (MAGA) Agenda: The NSS embodies the principles of restraint, nationalism, sovereignty, and a rejection of liberal universalism.
- Western Hemisphere Prioritization: The NSS emphasizes re-establishing US dominance over Latin America through the "Monroe Doctrine."
- Selective Engagement: The US will choose where to be actively involved, focusing on core interests rather than global policing.
- Civilisational Pluralism: The strategy promotes national sovereignty in choosing political paths, aligning with views of countries like China, India, and Russia.
- Economic Nationalism: Prioritizes reshoring and industrial revival, evaluating partnerships based on economic advantage.
Great-Power Relations and Implications for India
- The NSS downplays the notion of Russia and China as existential threats, signaling a shift in great-power dynamics.
- Potential for US rapprochement with Russia while causing concern for India regarding US-China reconciliation.
US-Europe Relations
- The NSS criticizes European liberal politics and supports right-wing movements.
- Identifies the EU as a threat to the US, urging European nations to reclaim sovereignty and cultural values.
- Opens possibilities for an entente with Russia, focusing on resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Asian Strategy and Challenges
- Asia is central to US interests, not framed as a direct confrontation with China.
- Emphasizes the need for allies in Asia to assume more defense responsibility.
- Recognizes the challenge of balancing economic relations with strategic deterrence against China.
- India's role as a non-ally provides freedom but requires strengthening military capabilities.
Middle East and Other Regions
- The NSS shifts focus in the Middle East from oil to nuclear energy, AI, and defense technologies.
- For India, the Gulf remains strategically important in both energy and non-energy sectors.
Conclusion and Implications for India
- India must engage with the US despite challenges and stabilize ties with China.
- Deepen relationships with Europe, Russia, ASEAN, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
- The NSS indirectly suggests the need for India to maintain peace in its South Asian neighborhood to avoid external interference.
Overall, the NSS 2025 presents a transformative vision of US foreign policy, reshaping global interactions and presenting both opportunities and challenges for India on the international stage.
