Has America given up on global dominance?

America First

A leaked copy of the new US defense strategy indicates a major shift in U.S. military and foreign policy strategies, emphasizing a move towards regional focus and strategic restraint. It discusses the implications of a new draft of the National Defense Strategy, highlighting a departure from traditional global dominance towards a more restrained posture aimed at balancing regional powers, particularly China.

Pentagon officials are proposing the department prioritize protecting the homeland and Western Hemisphere, a striking reversal from the military’s yearslong mandate to focus on the threat from China. A draft of the newest National Defense Strategy, which landed on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s desk September 2025, places domestic and regional missions above countering adversaries such as Beijing and Moscow, according to early versions of the report 

Key Aspects of the New U.S. Defense Strategy 2025

• Shift in Strategic Focus: The strategy indicates a move away from maintaining global military supremacy to prioritizing homeland defense, regional stability, and burden-sharing with allies. This reflects an acknowledgment of the economic and technological challenges faced by the U.S., including rising debt and rapid military technological changes.

• Regional Priorities: The strategy emphasizes bolstering U.S. military presence in strategic locations such as Japan, the Middle East, and northern Europe. It also suggests a reduction in commitments to Europe and the Middle East, exemplified by the potential withdrawal of forces from the Baltic states.

• China as a Primary Focus: While China remains a significant concern, the strategy appears to downplay its threat level compared to previous administrations. The focus shifts towards balancing China's regional influence rather than confronting it directly, aiming to prevent the emergence of a regional hegemon capable of challenging U.S. interests.

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Military Posture

The strategy underscores a pragmatic approach, prioritizing cost-effective measures and regional balancing over global dominance. It advocates for a posture that avoids provoking escalation with China, especially near its borders, and emphasizes the importance of protecting economic interests through military and economic means.

Furthermore, the document suggests a strategic reorientation that aligns with the broader trend of U.S. retrenchment from extensive overseas commitments. This includes a focus on defending key waterways, natural resources, and critical infrastructure, which are vital for economic security.

The move would mark a major shift from recent Democrat and Republican administrations, including President Donald Trump’s first term in office, when he referred to Beijing as America’s greatest rival. 

Political and Strategic Context

The analysis indicates that the strategy may be more reflective of internal Pentagon considerations and the influence of figures like Elbridge Colby, rather than a coherent national security doctrine. It also highlights the role of political personalities, such as Donald Trump, whose instinct-driven decision-making may override formal strategic planning.

Overall, the strategy signals a significant shift towards regionalism, burden-sharing, and economic security, with an emphasis on avoiding large-scale conflicts and managing regional rivalries through a combination of military presence and economic influence. This approach aims to adapt to the evolving global landscape, acknowledging the limitations of U.S. power and the rising costs of maintaining global hegemony.