Overview
- The National Defense Strategy released Jan. 23 endorses NATO’s combined 5% of GDP target and promotes it as a global standard for allies and partners.
- The strategy elevates defense of the U.S. homeland with explicit focus on the Western Hemisphere, citing concerns at locations such as Greenland and the Panama Canal.
- The Pentagon declares an end to subsidizing allied defense, pairing incentives for compliant partners with the prospect of reduced U.S. engagement for those that fall short.
- China deterrence remains a priority in the Indo‑Pacific with tempered wording and no direct reference to Taiwan, including emphasis on strengthening defenses along the first island chain.
- The document states South Korea should assume primary responsibility for deterring North Korea, and policy chief Colin Kahl Colby begins a visit to Seoul on Jan. 25 to discuss a planned update to the U.S. posture on the peninsula.