What to Make of the New National Defense Strategy

What to Make of the New National Defense Strategy

From Modern War Institute by Modern War Institute at West Point

January 31, 2026 · 1h 23m

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the new National Defense Strategy for the US and its allies and adversaries.

The United States has a new National Defense Strategy. Released about every four years, the document offers a window into the way senior defense officials view the global threat environment and identify US defense objectives. But how will the new strategy be interpreted by allies and partners? What about adversaries and competitors? And does formally delineating US priorities offer a degree of predictability on a contemporary strategic landscape characterized by growing instability and a fraying world order? To examine the strategy, John Amble is joined on this episode by Frank Hoffman, Mark Cancian, and Pat Sullivan. The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974. Articles referenced during the episode: "The 2026 National Defense Strategy by the Numbers: Radical Changes, Moderate Changes, and Some Continuities" (CSIS) "Key Takeaways from the New National Defense Strategy" (WOTR)

People in this episode

Host: John Amble

Guests: Frank Hoffman, Mark Cancian, Pat Sullivan

Topics covered

  • National Defense Strategy
  • US defense objectives
  • global threat environment
  • strategic landscape
  • international relations

Keywords

  • National Defense Strategy
  • US defense
  • global threats
  • strategic priorities
  • international relations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: United States

Books & works: The 2026 National Defense Strategy by the Numbers: Radical Changes, Moderate Changes, and Some Continuities, Key Takeaways from the New National Defense Strategy

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