The new US National Security Strategy: Restoring the Monroe Doctrine, warning Europe.

In the National Security Strategy (NSS) document released early on December 6th (Vietnam time), President Trump describes his vision as "flexible realism."

The document argues that the United States should revive the 19th-century "Monroe Doctrine"—a view that considers the Western Hemisphere to be Washington's exclusive sphere of influence. At the same time, it issues a stern warning that Europe faces the risk of "civilization annihilation" and needs to change course.

Redefining the world order through the lens of "America First"

This document is the clearest expression of Trump's desire to change the post-World War II world order—built on a network of alliances and multilateral organizations led by the United States—and redefine it through the lens of "America First."

"President Trump's foreign policy is realistic but not pragmatic, realistic but not realist, principled but not idealistic, strong but not belligerent, and restrained but not weak," the 29-page document states. "The ultimate driving force of this policy is what works for America."

Priority #1: The Western Hemisphere and the "Trump Consequences"

The strategic document—which serves as a guiding principle for government agencies—asserts that Trump will "restore American supremacy" in the Western Hemisphere and place the region at the top of his foreign policy priorities.

"This is the 'Trump consequence' for the Monroe Doctrine, a rational and forceful restoration of American power and priorities consistent with national security interests," the document states, while also implying that the large-scale US military buildup in the region is not temporary.

In fact, the US has been increasing its military presence in the Caribbean with more than 10,000 troops, along with aircraft carriers, warships, and fighter jets, to counter threats from criminal gangs and stabilize the region.

Jason Marczak, senior analyst for Latin America at the Atlantic Council, commented: "The new National Security Strategy makes it pretty clear that we're not going back to the old ways."

In addition, the document also addresses the need to cope with the growing economic influence of competitors in Latin America.

Europe and the warning about "Western identity"

While the document indicates that in Asia, Trump aims to prevent conflict by strengthening the military power of the US and its allies, the same document presents a rather pessimistic view of traditional allies in Europe, warning that the continent faces the risk of "civilization being wiped out" and must change course if it wants to maintain its position as a reliable ally of the US.

"In the long term, the most likely scenario is that within the next few decades, some NATO members will become countries with a majority non-European population," the document states, reflecting the US administration's view on wanting to restore "Western identity" in Europe.

Although European politicians are uncomfortable with Washington's tone, as they strive to rebuild their militaries to address regional security challenges, they remain heavily reliant on U.S. military support.

Reuters previously reported that Washington wants Europe to shoulder the majority of NATO's conventional defense capabilities, from intelligence to missiles – a demand that European officials consider unlikely in the short term.

Regarding the Ukraine issue, the document states that the strategic interests of the United States lie in negotiating a swift solution to the conflict and re-establishing "strategic stability" with Russia.

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Who will win the competition for time, resources, and attention?: The Western Hemisphere and possibly the Pacific. Who will lose?: Europe. Still up in the air?: The Middle East. Africa?: Good luck.

Brad Bowman, an expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracy (FDD), commented on the ranking of regions on Trump's agenda.