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A substantial shift in the military and geostrategic priorities of the United States has been formalized with the release of the new 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS).
This is a document from the Pentagon that redefines the country's security interests and sets itself apart from the globalist perspective that prevailed in previous decades.
The slogan now is clear: America First.
The defense of national territory, the strengthening of the Western Hemisphere -with Latin America in the forefront- and a more limited international military support, even towards Europe, are the pillars of this new doctrine.
Latin America: From Strategic Oversight to Central Focus
For the first time in decades, Latin America occupies the top tier in U.S. defense policy, a shift that responds to the logic of "restoring U.S. military dominance in the Western Hemisphere."
According to the Pentagon, this redefinition aims to directly protect national territory, control strategic routes, and ensure access to key lands in the region.
The text asserts that the United States will strengthen its military presence in Latin America, aligning with the National Security Strategy of December 2025.
This vision has already had tangible consequences: since Donald Trump's return to power, direct military operations have been authorized, such as the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, or attacks on vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking that have resulted in more than a hundred deaths.
The message is unequivocal: the Western Hemisphere is once again regarded as a vital space for the national security of the United States, a concept that echoes the security doctrines of the Cold War, but which is now presented under the rhetoric of the "new American golden age."
Goodbye to global guardianship: allies will have to take on more responsibility
One of the highlights of the new strategy is the reshaping of the role of Washington's historical allies.
Under the slogan that "allies will take the initiative against threats that are less severe for us, but more for them," the document warns that the U.S. will provide support, but in a more limited manner, delegating the primary responsibility for their defense to regional partners.
"As U.S. forces focus on defending the homeland and the Indo-Pacific, our allies and partners elsewhere will take primary responsibility for their own defense, with crucial but more limited support from U.S. forces," states the Pentagon.
Europe, which for decades was the focus of U.S. foreign military policy, is now in the background.
Although the commitment to NATO remains, Russia is described as a "persistent but manageable" threat, and European countries are expected to increase their defense spending without relying on Washington.
Military and commercial access to key areas, such as Greenland, is ensured through bilateral agreements, without the need for large-scale deployments.
China and Russia: From Existential Rivals to Negotiable Adversaries
Another notable change is the more moderate tone towards China and Russia.
The 2022 strategy, drafted under the Biden administration, characterized China as "the most significant challenge" and Russia as "a sharp threat."
Now, on the other hand, the document avoids even mentioning Taiwan and proposes "respectful" relations with Beijing, making it clear that "no regime change or existential struggle is being sought."
Regarding Russia, the text defines it as a "persistent" threat, but one that primarily impacts "the eastern members of NATO," reinforcing the idea that Washington will delegate more responsibilities to its European allies.
Border security: internal priority and nationalist rhetoric
The defense of the national territory is not limited to military threats.
The document establishes a direct relationship between national security and immigration, stating that previous administrations neglected the border, leading to a "flood of illegal immigrants" and a surge in drug trafficking.
"Border security is national security," emphasizes the text, which promises to strengthen measures to secure the borders and deport undocumented immigrants.
This stance aligns with the more hardline proposals of Donald Trump's agenda and explicitly links migration challenges to the global strategic order.
Near East, Korea, and the Indo-Pacific: Selective commitments
The document makes references to other regions of the world, but with a narrow focus:
South Korea: It is urged to take on the "primary responsibility" for deterring North Korea, although the "crucial support" from the United States will remain. This shift opens the door to a reduction of U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula.
Indo-Pacific: The commitment to contain China is reaffirmed, though from a negotiating perspective.
"It is possible to achieve an acceptable peace, on terms favorable for Americans but that China can also accept and under which it can live," the text argues.
Middle East: Pressure on Iran continues, although there are no clear signs of military escalation. The Pentagon warns that Tehran may attempt to rebuild its armament capabilities and eventually seek a nuclear weapon. In contrast, Israel is described as a "model ally," solidifying its role as a priority partner in the region.
A document marked by nationalism
The new strategy, which will guide the Department of Defense until 2030, has a revealing subtitle: “Restoring peace through strength for a new golden age of the United States.”
This formulation, rich in symbolism, makes it clear that the paradigm of multilateral leadership has been replaced by a nationalist vision, characterized by regional dominance and pragmatic containment.
"Through this common-sense approach of America First, the alliances and partners of the United States have an essential role to play, but not as dependencies of the past generation," concludes the Pentagon.
The document of the National Defense Strategy 2026 marks a turning point in the foreign and military policy of the United States.
In an era marked by multipolarity, Washington is redefining its red lines: defense of national territory, control of the Western Hemisphere, measured containment of China, and distancing from excessive commitments in other regions.
For Latin America, this strategy entails a new cycle of regional militarization and increased geopolitical pressure under the framework of hemispheric security.
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