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Introduction

The latest U.S. National Security Strategy signals a strategic shift toward economic nationalism and selective multilateralism, prioritising supply-chain security, domestic industrial revival, and targeted alliances. This recalibration aims to protect U.S. technological and economic dominance, but it also reconfigures relations with allies and global security institutions.

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Impact on Transatlantic Relations

• Industrial Frictions: Prioritisation of domestic manufacturing creates disputes over subsidies and market access, straining EU–U.S. economic alignment.
  Eg: EU criticism of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act for disadvantaged European EV manufacturers.
• Defense Burden Shift: U.S. emphasis on self-reliance pressures Europe to increase independent defence spending and capabilities.
  Eg: NATO states accelerating defence budgets after U.S. calls for burden-sharing.
• Selective Partnerships: Washington’s issue-based coalitions may bypass EU mechanisms, weakening traditional institutional coordination.
  Eg: Growing U.S. preference for mini-laterals like AUKUS over broader transatlantic platforms.
• Tech-Regulatory Divergence: U.S. tech-security measures conflict with EU regulatory approaches, expanding strategic disagreements.
  Eg: EU concerns over U.S. restrictions on semiconductors and digital trade rules.

Impact on Global Security Architecture

• Weakening Multilateralism: Selective coalition-building sidelines universal institutions like the UN, reducing collective legitimacy.
  Eg: The NSS (National Security Strategy) promotes coalitions of “like-minded partners”, diluting multilateral frameworks.
• Hard Balancing China: Prioritisation of economic containment reshapes Indo-Pacific security dynamics and sharper bloc formation.
  Eg: U.S. export controls on Chinese tech shaping global supply-chain geopolitics.
• Fragmented Trade Security: Weaponisation of trade and technology injects insecurity into global economic governance.
  Eg: Disruptions caused by U.S. chip-export curbs creating global strategic uncertainty.
• Regional Power Vacuums: Reduced U.S. commitment in some theatres may create instability in the Middle East and Africa.
  Eg: Reduced U.S. military engagement contributing to shifting power balances in West Asia.

Associated Concerns

• Alliance Erosion:  Economic nationalism may undercut trust among democratic allies and partners.
  Eg: EU unease over U.S. unilateral policy shifts.
• Bloc Polarisation: Selective multilateralism risks creating rigid blocs, exacerbating great-power tensions.
  Eg: Growing U.S.–China fragmentation across global institutions.
• Global South Marginalisation: U.S. priority on advanced-economy coalitions sidelines developmental multilateralism.
  Eg: Concerns over limited Global South representation in U.S.-led groupings.
• Strategic Overstretch: Multiple coalition networks may strain U.S. capacity to lead consistently.

Conclusion

Going ahead, the U.S. must balance domestic revival with cooperative global leadership to sustain credibility. Strengthening transparent, inclusive, and rules-based partnerships—especially with Europe and the Global South can ensure that strategic competition does not undermine multilateral stability or fragment the global security order.

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