America's 'flexible realism'

President Donald Trump's new National Security Strategy is an extension of his vision of "America First". Unlike previous administrations, the incumbent at White House has spelt out a non-interventionist approach and has largely escaped from offending major powers, especially China and Russia, by promising non-interference in other nation's domestic affairs. But for Europe, the layout is enigmatic in essence, as Washington has begged to differ in standing behind the continental ally, and categorically asked it to dig deep into its pockets, and not to rely anymore on the cushions of militarisation. The strategy is no more an extension of the US reliance on traditionalism, and seems to have called it a day for democracy-lovers across the world by rather making it national-interest driven.

The NSS 2025 will lead to new realignments and that was quite evident as President Vladimir Putin air-dashed to New Delhi to upgrade the existing defence deals. With India refusing to give credit to Trump for brokering the ceasefire in its May duel with Pakistan, the US tilt towards China was obvious, meant to consolidate trade nexus and enter into renewed understanding on tech collaboration as well as cooperation on rare earth metals. All that Washington looks forward to is to consolidate its military capability and deterrence with its allies in the West Pacific. The policy hints at more cooperation with China in economic terms, hampering India quest for a gate-keeping role in the region.

The strategy pronounces Trump as a 'peace-maker' and eyes brokering a deal over the Russo-Ukrainian war. Likewise, it specifically mentions the role the US played in easing tensions between India and Pakistan, harbingering hope for a thaw, even as NSS 2025 largely focuses on China. That is why strategists have dubbed it as "flexible realism" as the US calls for a revival of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine, framing the Western Hemisphere as the prime sphere of influence. Last but not least, the NSS highlights Indo-Pacific as a critical economic and geopolitical area, saying not to a conflict over Taiwan.