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Pentagon’s 2026 strategy pivots to flexible realism and warrior spirit to counter China

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The US Department of Defense has released its 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS), outlining a pivotal shift toward “flexible realism”—a doctrine that prioritizes the protection of American interests over global “nation-building” projects.

According to the NDS, this approach is anchored by a “Trump Addendum to the Monroe Doctrine,” which prioritizes the security of the US homeland and maintains dominance over the Western Hemisphere. This document follows and reinforces the broader US National Security Strategy (NSS).

The strategy identifies China as the “primary rival” and issues a blunt demand to allies and partners: they must significantly increase their financial contributions, targeting a new spending standard of 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Through a “national industrial mobilization” and the “revival of the warrior spirit,” the NDS aims to deter adversaries such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Ultimately, the strategy seeks to achieve global stability by rebalancing military responsibilities and focusing on pragmatic security rather than idealistic foreign interventions.

America First: Rejection of “utopian idealism”

The 2026 National Defense Strategy defines “flexible realism” as a clear-eyed, common-sense approach to national security that prioritizes American interests over abstract global ideals.

Flexible realism rejects the “grand strategies” of previous administrations that conflated American interests with those of the entire world or sought to “solve all the world’s problems.” Instead, it focuses on “real, credible threats to the safety, liberty, and prosperity of Americans,” acknowledging that threats to the US homeland are more visceral and significant than those in distant regions.

The NDS explicitly contrasts flexible realism with “castles in the clouds” abstractions like “utopian idealism” and the “rules-based international order.” It declares an end to goals such as regime change, “endless wars,” and “grand nation-building projects,” replacing them with a “hard-headed realism” designed to achieve a “noble and proud peace.”

According to the Pentagon, this approach requires a pragmatic correlation between resources and objectives. The NDS acknowledges that the US “cannot act everywhere alone” and cannot solve every global problem; it calls for the military to “evaluate, rank, and prioritize” threats based on their severity.

In practice, flexible realism aims for a “resilient and sustainable balance of power” rather than total global hegemony. Regarding China, for instance, the strategy seeks a “reasonable peace” and a balance of power that prevents Chinese dominance over the US, explicitly stating that this goal does not require “regime change or another existential struggle.”

The document contends that this approach “does not mean isolationism.” On the contrary, it envisions a “focused and truly strategic approach” where the US acts globally to advance its practical interests—particularly alongside allies—while insisting that those allies shoulder the primary burden of their own regional defense.

Burden sharing and defense spending

The NDS fundamentally redefines global burden-sharing, shifting alliances from a model subsidized by the US to one of “clear accountability” and self-sufficiency. It argues that allies must cease acting as “dependents” and instead function as true partners.

This “America First” approach asserts that by prioritizing US interests and demanding that allies take primary responsibility for their own security in most theaters, the US can concentrate its resources on defending the homeland and deterring China.

In this context, the strategy redefines requirements through specific financial targets, operational changes, and strategic ultimatums. These include a new global financial standard, “primary responsibility” for allies where the US acts as a supporter rather than a lead, and the prioritization of “model allies.”

For example, the US will now look to delegate the Ukraine issue to Europe, the tensions on the Korean Peninsula to South Korea, and the management of Iranian aggression in the Middle East to Israel and Gulf allies.

By compelling allies to act, the Pentagon aims to focus the US military on its two highest priorities: defending the US and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific.

The primary strategic rival: China

The NDS describes one of the “most dangerous” security environments in the nation’s history, where adversaries have grown increasingly powerful because the US failed to maintain its advantages.

Major geopolitical threats are categorized not only by state actors but also by their geographical proximity to the American homeland and the systemic risk of simultaneous conflicts.

The strategy identifies the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the primary strategic rival. The NDS describes the PRC as “the most powerful state we have faced since the 19th century,” asserting it ranks second only to the US on a global scale.

The threat from China is defined by the “pace, scale, and quality” of its military forces, which include capabilities capable of striking targets far beyond the Western Pacific.

The Pentagon points out that the fundamental danger is not merely military, but China’s potential to dominate the Indo-Pacific region. There is significant concern that such dominance would effectively control American access to the “world’s economic center of gravity.”

Accordingly, the US goal is to maintain a balance of power to prevent China from dominating the US or its allies, seeking a “reasonable peace” rather than pursuing regime change.

The NDS approach to China is summarized as “deterring China in the Indo-Pacific through strength, not conflict.” Rather than seeking confrontation or isolation, the strategy envisions a dual approach: building robust military deterrence (“strength”) as a prerequisite for effective diplomatic and military engagement.

The document explicitly states that the US goal is not to “dominate China” or to “strangle or humiliate” it. Instead, the US will seek a “reasonable peace” characterized by a balance of power where no country can dominate another.

A message to Europe: Provide your own security

The 2026 National Defense Strategy fundamentally redefines Europe’s role from a region dependent on American security guarantees to one that assumes “primary responsibility” for its own conventional defense.

The strategy makes it clear that NATO allies must transition to taking the lead in defending the continent, while the United States provides “critical but more limited support.”

This shift is based on the assessment that Russia is a “persistent but manageable threat” and that the collective economic and military power of NATO members in Europe “dwarfs” that of Russia. The document notes that the German economy alone far outstrips Russia’s.

Consequently, the NDS argues that Russia is “not in a position to attempt European hegemony,” meaning Europe is capable of managing the threat without US dominance.

Europe serves as the testing ground for the White House’s new “global standard” for burden-sharing. The strategy references a “Hague Summit” where NATO allies are expected to set a total defense spending target of 5% of GDP. While the Pentagon emphasizes it will “provide incentives and opportunities” for allies to meet these targets, it insists these commitments must be fulfilled.

While stating that the war in Ukraine “must end,” the document places the responsibility for supporting Ukraine’s defense and maintaining the subsequent peace directly on European allies.

Declaring this to be “primarily Europe’s responsibility,” the document rejects the previous administration’s approach, which it claims allowed allies to engage in “free-riding.”

To help NATO allies generate the forces necessary for their own defense, the strategy envisions expanding transatlantic defense industrial cooperation and reducing trade barriers.

The “Model Ally”: A primary role for Israel in the region

Under the 2026 National Defense Strategy, Israel is identified as the “model ally” and serves as the primary example of the “America First” approach to burden-sharing.

The strategy redefines the US relationship with Israel based on the principle that allies must have the will and capability to defend themselves, with the US providing “critical but limited support.”

According to the Pentagon, Israel fits the definition of a “model ally” because, particularly following the October 7 attacks, it has proven it possesses the “capability and willingness to defend itself.”

Unlike allies criticized as “dependents,” the document praises Israel for taking action for its own survival. Consequently, the strategy states that the US should “empower” Israel rather than “tie its hands.”

Consistent with the strategy’s broader push for regional burden-sharing, Israel is expected to assume “primary responsibility for deterring and defending against Iran and its proxies.”

The document contends that Israel’s operations have “severely weakened” Iranian proxies, specifically Hezbollah and Hamas.

Israel’s role extends to stabilizing the regional security architecture. Building explicitly on the Abraham Accords, the Pentagon intends to “achieve integration between Israel and our Arab Gulf partners.” This effort aims to create a coalition where regional partners collectively exert more effort to defend themselves, allowing the US to focus its primary attention on the Indo-Pacific and its own borders.

While Israel leads the fight, the US commits to “strongly supporting Israel’s self-defense efforts.” This support is characterized as “critical but limited”: the US will provide the tools and support necessary for Israel to succeed (such as arms sales and intelligence sharing) but will not assume the primary combat role on the ground.

Instructions to the Gulf: “Integration with Israel”

According to the 2026 National Defense Strategy, a successful transformation of the region is defined by the establishment of a “more peaceful and prosperous Middle East” achieved through local ownership rather than American intervention.

The Pentagon argues that this transformation cannot be imposed from the outside. According to the US, it can only be realized by “those with the greatest stake in the region’s future”—the regional nations themselves.

Success is defined by regional allies and partners assuming “primary responsibility for deterring and defending against Iran and its proxies.” The US role shifts from leading the struggle to a supportive one.

According to the NDS, a successful transformation requires “deepening cooperation and integration” between Israel and Arab American partners, explicitly based on the framework of the Abraham Accords.

Defense industry linked to Trumpist economic policies

The NDS describes its industrial mobilization plan as a “national mobilization” and an “industrial call to arms,” likening it to the industrial revivals of the World Wars and the Cold War.

The plan aims to “strengthen the US Defense Industrial Base (DIB)” to support the President’s claim of a “once-in-a-century revival of American industry.”

This includes the re-establishment of a “world-class arsenal”; modernization and deregulation; the adoption of AI and innovation; internal reform of the Pentagon to increase production capacity; the expansion of the supplier base; and deepening integration with allies.

Preparing the military for war

The document defines the “warrior spirit” as the “heart of the US military”—a set of values exemplified by American heroes such as World War II veterans.

According to the document, the “warrior spirit” is inextricably linked to the military’s “fundamental, irreplaceable role.” Reviving this spirit is presented as necessary for the American military to refocus on “decisively winning the nation’s wars.”

This entails moving away from what the document describes as distractions, such as “social engineering” or “nation-building.”

The core premise of the strategy is the claim that previous administrations neglected and often “actively undermined” this spirit.

The document argues that true deterrence is a byproduct of a military focused on lethal force and victory, rather than abstract concepts like “grand nation-building projects” or the “rules-based international order.”

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Israel looks to Latin America as Isaac Accords seek to expand regional partnerships

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23/06/2026

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As ties between Israel and Latin American countries continue to deepen, the newly launched Isaac Accords are emerging as a framework for expanding cooperation across the region.

The initiative formed the backdrop to a panel discussion on opportunities for Israel in the Western Hemisphere at the 2026 JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on Monday.

The panel, titled “The Coming Isaac Accords: Israel and Latin America,” brought together diplomats and regional experts to discuss developments that could encourage participation in the Isaac Accords, the strategic framework announced in April by Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Milei’s visit to Israel.

Moderated by JNS correspondent Etgar Lefkovits, the discussion featured Panama’s Ambassador to Israel Ezra Cohen, former US Ambassador to Costa Rica Fitzgerald Haney, and Leah Soibel, founder and CEO of Fuente Latina, which provides Middle East news coverage to Spanish-language media outlets.

Soibel said:

“What we need to understand is that the Isaac Accords have an impact that extends far beyond diplomacy. Twenty percent of the US population is Hispanic. By 2050, that figure is expected to reach 30% of the population. This is the demographic group with the lowest levels of antisemitic sentiment.”

The panel also celebrated the victory of pro-US and pro-Israel candidate Abelardo De La Espriella, who defeated his left-wing rival in Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday.

De La Espriella had made the restoration of relations with Israel and the relocation of his country’s embassy to Jerusalem central elements of his campaign platform.

Cohen said that when he looks at a map of Latin America, only four countries are currently governed by left-wing, anti-Israel administrations.

Referring to an earlier panel discussing what participants described as a bleak future for Jews in Europe, Cohen remarked: “When one window closes, another opens. Come to Latin America.”

Haney argued that “Israel’s friends keep winning” and predicted that “we are going to see a lot more positive developments coming out of Latin America.”

He said a colleague in Colombia had sent him a text message promising: “On August 7 at 5 p.m., we will restore relations with Israel.”

Haney noted that this was the date and time when Colombia’s new president is scheduled to take office and predicted that another announcement regarding the relocation of Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem would follow.

He described Colombia as the latest in a series of Latin American countries turning toward Israel in pursuit of “shared values, shared prosperity and shared security.”

Haney also said that the Israel Allies Foundation, a pro-Israel advocacy group that works with lawmakers, would bring together representatives from 11 legislative bodies across Latin America in Buenos Aires over the weekend to sign a joint declaration of principles.

He noted that the organisation had successfully worked with Brazil’s legislature despite the position of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whom he described as anti-Israel.

According to Haney, Brazil’s legislature has developed a plan to deepen relations with Israel over the next nine months.

Soibel said that 12 Latin American countries had renewed or strengthened their friendships with Israel and that interest in Israel among Spanish-language content creators, influencers and journalists continues to grow. Her organisation has brought 300 non-Jewish Hispanic journalists to Israel.

The panel also highlighted the launch of a Panama-based Spanish-language edition of JNS. Soibel said the work of pro-Israel organisations remains vital because so few such groups operate in the region, while, in her words, “Iran, Qatar and Hezbollah are conducting propaganda campaigns in Spanish throughout Latin America.”

She continued:

“You could probably count on one hand, perhaps two, the number of organisations and leaders operating across the Spanish-speaking world. That makes this work extraordinarily strategic. Its impact is enormous. Israel and the Jewish people should invest more. There is a large Hispanic-Israeli population in Israel, and many of them were victims of the October 7 attacks. We have stories to tell. What we need now is investment and distribution channels to spread those messages and information.”

The panel concluded on an optimistic note, with participants expressing confidence that Latin America will become an increasingly important pillar of Israel’s global diplomatic strategy in the years ahead.

Milei and Netanyahu launch new accord

Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the launch of the Isaac Accords last Saturday.

The initiative establishes a new strategic framework aimed at strengthening cooperation among Argentina, Israel and like-minded partners across the Western Hemisphere, described as “the descendants of Isaac and nations rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition,” in defence of freedom and democracy and in the fight against terrorism, antisemitism and drug trafficking.

Participating countries will seek to strengthen coordination against what the agreement describes as terrorist organisations, with particular emphasis on “Iran’s efforts to expand terrorist networks and operational presence throughout the Western Hemisphere.”

The initiative also seeks to promote coordination and alignment in international forums while creating a framework for expanded cooperation in innovation, technology, trade and economic openness.

Speaking alongside Netanyahu at a joint press conference, Milei said:

“We expressed our unwavering support for the United States and Israel in their struggle against terrorism and the Iranian regime, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because our countries are united through shared suffering.”

Milei referred to the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires and the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish community centre.

Although Argentine courts have attributed both attacks to Iran, Tehran has consistently denied any involvement.

Netanyahu praised the Argentine leader for demonstrating what he called “moral clarity” by standing with Israel and said he hoped other Latin American governments would join the Isaac Accords, which both leaders described as being inspired by the Abraham Accords.

The Abraham Accords, brokered by Washington in 2020, triggered a wave of normalisation in Arab-Israeli diplomatic relations.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee attended the signing ceremony and described Milei and Netanyahu as “President Trump’s two closest friends.”

Huckabee added: “I do not think there are two other world leaders whom our president respects as much and with whom he has such a personal relationship.”

During the visit, the two sides also announced the launch of the first direct commercial flights between Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv, scheduled to begin in November.

Milei said the new route would create an “unbreakable bond” between the two countries and reiterated his intention to relocate Argentina’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“As soon as circumstances permit, we once again reaffirm our commitment to moving the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem,” he said.

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Iran team leaves thank-you message in Los Angeles locker room after World Cup draw

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22/06/2026

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Iran’s national football team left a message in its locker room at SoFi Stadium, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality during the World Cup.

The players said they were leaving the city with honor after keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive with a 0-0 draw against Belgium.

In the handwritten note, published by the Iran Football Federation, the team wrote:

“From the ancient land of Persia thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and unshaken. Los Angeles, thank you for your hospitality. We arrived in Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor and leave with dignity.”

The note also thanked Iranian supporters who gave their “hearts, voices and souls” to the team throughout its two matches and concluded with a call for peace, respect and friendship among all nations.

Los Angeles hosted both of Iran’s Group G matches, while the team returned to its training base in Tijuana between games.

Iran has been based in Tijuana throughout the tournament and has had to travel back and forth to the United States for matches because of restrictions related to its stay in the country. Entry bans were also imposed on some members of the national team’s coaching staff and officials.

US authorities said the team’s travel arrangements remain under review, while discussions continue over the possible easing of some restrictions.

Iran head coach Emir Ghalenoei has repeatedly criticized the travel restrictions, saying his squad has faced challenges that no other team in the tournament has been required to endure.

After drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in its opening match at SoFi Stadium, Iran will play its final Group G match against Egypt in Seattle.

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Colombia’s de la Espriella claims narrow presidential victory in runoff election

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22/06/2026

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The first results from Colombia’s presidential runoff election showed that right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, backed by Donald Trump, had narrowly won the vote.

The victory of de la Espriella, who has no prior political experience, signals a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to tackling the country’s long-running internal armed conflict and rising violence.

Throughout the campaign, de la Espriella pledged to intensify military pressure on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking networks and criminal organizations. He succeeded in defeating left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, a close ally of incumbent President Gustavo Petro.

Speaking after the initial results were released, de la Espriella said: “Today marks the beginning of a new era for our country. This era is built on the free and democratic will of millions of citizens who chose to believe in a great, secure, prosperous Colombia full of opportunities.”

Cepeda says he will await official results

According to the preliminary count, with more than 99% of ballots tallied in the runoff election, de la Espriella secured approximately 49.7% of the vote, while Cepeda received 48.7%.

Cepeda, who has not yet conceded defeat, said the preliminary results were neither official nor binding.

“When the official count is completed, the final results are known and the necessary verification procedures are finished, we will recognize the official outcome produced by that process,” Cepeda said.

Reuters reported that the verification process showed very little variation from the preliminary counts recorded during the first round of voting on May 31.

De la Espriella, who grew up in Colombia’s Caribbean region, drew particularly strong support from that part of the country. Addressing a large crowd gathered in the coastal city of Barranquilla after the first results emerged, de la Espriella, who has adopted the nickname “El Tigre” (The Tiger), declared: “Tonight is the beginning of a new story for the nation. Tonight a new era begins, a change of order begins.”

He said he would govern for all Colombians, including those who voted for his opponent, and pledged loyalty to and protection of Colombia’s 1991 constitution.

At celebrations in Barranquilla, supporters wore Colombia’s yellow national football jersey and waved Colombian flags.

With images of de la Espriella projected behind the stage, supporters chanted “Stand firm for the homeland” and “Petro out!” as fireworks lit the sky. Some supporters wore hats bearing the slogan “Make Colombia Great Again,” echoing those worn by supporters of US President Donald Trump.

Trump reacted to the results in a Truth Social post, writing: “BIG won!”

One supporter, Patricia, told reporters: “We are tired of the murders in this country and of this government’s bureaucracy. Now we finally have a president from the coastal region.”

Another supporter said: “We are proud of the Tiger. We hope he transforms the country and, above all, creates a new nation where we will have jobs and greater security.”

Supporters of Cepeda, who narrowly lost the election, also voiced concerns on the streets of Barranquilla.

Catalina La Grande, a student and activist who supports Cepeda, told the BBC: “There is a visible sense of unease in the air. Such a narrow margin worries us because it reflects how divided the country is and the enormous challenges we face in defending democracy, peace and human rights.”

Another young voter backing Cepeda, Maria, said the results showed a divided country but noted that the public had remained peaceful.

“Given the level of polarization we are experiencing, the absence of violence in the streets is a positive development,” she said.

The sharp divisions between the candidates have fueled concerns that unrest could emerge if some opposition groups refuse to accept the outcome.

Late on Sunday night, clashes were reported between protesters and police in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. Demonstrators reportedly burned US flags, while police used tear gas to disperse large crowds angered by de la Espriella’s victory.

President Gustavo Petro is also reported to be considering challenging the result. In a post on X, Petro said that based on the preliminary count, “no one can be declared president” and alleged that the security of some polling stations had been compromised. He called for an audit of the voting software but provided no evidence to support the claims.

Who is Abelardo de la Espriella?

De la Espriella, who has no political background, is a lawyer and businessman. During his legal career, he represented clients including Alex Saab, an ally of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro who has faced money laundering charges in the US, and David Murcia Guzman, one of Colombia’s most notorious fraudsters.

De la Espriella says he handled those cases in his capacity as a defense attorney.

Often compared to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele because of his security policies and distinctive beard, de la Espriella and his supporters frequently wear Colombia’s national football jersey at rallies and on social media. Critics accuse him of politicizing the national team shirt.

He is also known for regularly addressing campaign crowds from behind bulletproof glass panels.

Colombia’s internal armed conflict has persisted for decades, but violence has intensified in recent years. Armed groups and criminal organizations, including dissident factions of the FARC, the ELN and the Clan del Golfo, have doubled their membership over the past five years.

Competition for control of lucrative cocaine trafficking routes and illegal mining operations has further escalated the violence. Fighting along the Colombia-Venezuela border last year displaced tens of thousands of people. Cocaine production in the world’s largest cocaine-producing country has reached record levels.

Critics of President Petro argue that his “total peace” strategy, which prioritizes negotiations with armed groups, has failed, claiming that such groups have used ceasefire arrangements to expand their territorial control and influence.

De la Espriella has pledged to cancel all negotiations with illegal armed groups and increase military pressure to restore order.

As part of that agenda, he has promised closer cooperation with the US, the construction of massive prisons in Colombia’s forests, a smaller state apparatus and reforms to the healthcare system.

Having lived and worked in Miami for many years, de la Espriella has held US citizenship since 2023. During the election campaign, he received support from Donald Trump, who said de la Espriella would “stop illegal migration, fight crime and drugs, and restore law and order.”

Before the election, Trump also said de la Espriella would feel “the full support and strength of the United States” behind him.

Although Colombia has historically been one of Washington’s closest allies in the region, relations have become strained in recent years due to sharp disagreements between President Trump and President Petro over migration policy, tariffs and military intervention in Latin America.

De la Espriella’s election also aligns with a broader trend across Latin America, where security concerns have pushed politics to the right. His victory was welcomed by other conservative leaders across the region.

Argentine President Javier Milei said Colombians had “chosen the path of economic freedom, prosperity and uncompromising security” and had declared that enough was enough to transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.

Chile’s José Antonio Kast said: “A new era of freedom is beginning for Colombia, one that will allow the country to regain security and prosperity.”

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