N   S S  of the United States of America

DECEMBER 2017

1

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON, DC

My fellow Americans:

e American people elected me to make America great again. I promised that my Administration would put the safe , interests, and well-being of our citizens fi rst. I pledged that we would revitalize the American economy, rebuild our military, defend our borders, protect our sovereignty, and advance our values.

During my first year in office, you have witnessed my America First foreign policy in action. We are prioritizing the interests of our citizens and protecting our sovereign rights as a nation. America is leading again on the world stage. We are not hiding from the challenges we face. We are confronting them head-on and pursuing opportunities to promote the securi and prosperi of all Americans.

e United States faces an extraordinarily dangerous world, fi lled with a wide range of threats that have intensified in recent years. When I came into office, rogue regimes were developing nuclear weapons and missiles to threaten the entire planet. Radical Islamist terror groups were fl ourishing. Terrorists had taken control of vast swaths of the Middle East. Rival powers were aggressively undermining American interests around the globe. At home, porous borders and unenforced immigration laws had created a host of vulnerabilities. Criminal cartels were bringing drugs and danger into our communities. Unfair trade practices had weakened our economy and exported our jobs overseas. Unfair burden-sharing with our allies and inadequate investment in our own defense had invited danger from those who wish us harm. Too many Americans had lost trust in our government, faith in our future, and confidence in our values.

Nearly one year later, although serious challenges remain, we are charting a new and very di erent course.

We are rallying the world against the rogue regime in North Korea and confronting the danger posed by the dictatorship in Iran, which those determined to pursue a flawed nuclear deal had neglected. We have renewed our friendships in the Middle East and partnered with regional leaders to help drive out terrorists and extremists, cut off their financing, and discredit their wicked ideology. We crushed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorists on the battlefields of Syria and Iraq, and will continue pursuing them until they are destroyed. America’s allies are now contributing more to our common defense, strengthening even our strongest alliances. We have also continued to make clear that the United States will no longer tolerate economic aggression or unfair trading practices.

At home, we have restored confidence in America’s purpose. We have recommitted ourselves to our founding principles and to the values that have made our families, communities, and society so successful. Jobs are coming back and our economy is growing. We are making historic investments in the United States military. We are enforcing our borders, building trade relationships based on fairness and reciprocity, and defending America’s sovereignty without apology.

I NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

The whole world is lifted by America’s renewal and the reemergence of American leadership. After one year, the world knows that America is prosperous, America is secure, and America is strong. We will bring about the be er future we seek for our people and the world, by confronting the challenges and dangers posed by those who seek to destabilize the world and threaten America’s people and interests.

My Administration’s National Security Strategy lays out a strategic vision for protecting the American people and preserving our way of life, promoting our prosperity, preserving peace through strength, and advancing American influence in the world. We will pursue this beautiful vision—a world of strong, sovereign, and independent nations, each with its own cultures and dreams, thriving side- by-side in prosperity, freedom, and peace—throughout the upcoming year.

In pursuit of that future, we will look at the world with clear eyes and fresh thinking. We will promote a balance of power that favors the United States, our allies, and our partners. We will never lose sight of our values and their capacity to inspire, uplift, and renew.

Most of all, we will serve the American people and uphold their right to a government that prioritizes their security, their prosperity, and their interests. This National Security Strategy puts America First.

President Donald J. Trump

e White House December 2017

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T  C

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PILLAR I: P    A   P ,   H ,    A   W  L  ...... 7 Secure U.S. Borders and Territory ...... 8 Defend Against Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) ...... 8 Combat Biothreats and Pandemics ...... 9 Strengthen Border Control and Immigration Policy ...... 9 Pursue reats to eir Source ...... 10 Defeat Jihadist Terrorists ...... 10 Dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations ...... 11 Keep America Safe in the Cyber Era ...... 12 Promote American Resilience ...... 14

PILLAR II: P  A   P   ...... 17 Rejuvenate the Domestic Economy ...... 18 Promote Free, Fair, and Reciprocal Economic Relationships ...... 19 Lead in Research, Technology, Invention, and Innovation ...... 20 Promote and Protect the U.S. National Securi Innovation Base ...... 21 Embrace Energy Dominance ...... 22

PILLAR III: P P    S ...... 25 Renew America’s Competitive Advantages ...... 26 Renew Capabilities ...... 28 Military ...... 28 Defense Industrial Base ...... 29 Nuclear Forces ...... 30 Space ...... 31 Cyberspace ...... 31 Intelligence ...... 32

V NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

Diplomacy and Statecraft ...... 33 Competitive Diplomacy ...... 33 Tools of Economic Diplomacy...... 34 Information Statecra ...... 34

PILLAR IV: A  A   I  ...... 37 Encourage Aspiring Partners ...... 38 Achieve Be er Outcomes in Multilateral Forums ...... 40 Champion American Values ...... 41

T  S   R  C ...... 45 I n d o - P a c i fi c ...... 45 Europe ...... 47 Middle East ...... 48 South and Central Asia ...... 50 Western Hemisphere ...... 51 Africa ...... 52

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VI

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An America that is safe, prosperous, and free at home is an America with the strength, confi dence, and will to lead abroad. It is an America that can pre- serve peace, uphold liber , and create enduring advantages for the American people. Pu ing America fi rst is the du of our government and the foun- dation for U.S. leadership in the world.

A strong America is in the vital interests of not only the American people, but also those around the world who want to partner with the United States in pursuit of shared interests, values, and aspirations.

 is National Securi Strategy puts America fi rst.

n America First National Security separating Federal powers, and protecting the Strategy is based on American prin- rights of individuals through the rule of law. All A ciples, a clear-eyed assessment of U.S. political power is ultimately delegated from, and interests, and a determination to tackle the chal- accountable to, the people. lenges that we face. It is a strategy of principled We protect American sovereignty by defending realism that is guided by outcomes, not ideology. these institutions, traditions, and principles that It is based upon the view that peace, securi , and have allowed us to live in freedom, to build the nation prosperity depend on strong, sovereign nations that respect their citizens at home and cooper- that we love. And we prize our national heritage, for ate to advance peace abroad. And it is grounded the rare and fragile institutions of republican gov- in the realization that American principles are ernment can only endure if they are sustained by a a lasting force for good in the world. culture that cherishes those institutions.

“We the People” is America’s source of strength. Liber and independence have given us the fl our- ishing society Americans enjoy today—a vibrant e United States was born of a desire for life, lib- and confident Nation, welcoming of disagree- erty, and the pursuit of happiness—and a convic- ment and differences, but united by the bonds tion that unaccountable political power is tyr- of history, culture, beliefs, and principles that anny. For these reasons, our Founders crafted and define who we are. ratified the Constitution, establishing the repub- lican form of government we enjoy today. The We are proud of our roots and honor the wisdom of Constitution grants our national government not the past. We are commi ed to protecting the rights only specified powers necessary to protect our and digni of every citizen. And we are a nation of God-given rights and liberties but also safeguards laws, because the rule of law is the shield that pro- them by limiting the government’s size and scope, tects the individual from government corruption

1 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

and abuse of power, allows families to live with- power with enormous advantages and momen- out fear, and permits markets to thrive. tum in the world. Success, however, bred com- placency. A belief emerged, among many, that Our founding principles have made the United American power would be unchallenged and self– States of America among the greatest forces for sustaining. The United States began to drift. We good in history. But we are also aware that we experienced a crisis of confidence and surren- must protect and build upon our accomplish- dered our advantages in key areas. As we took ments, always conscious of the fact that the inter- our political, economic, and military advan- ests of the American people constitute our true tages for granted, other actors steadily imple- North Star. mented their long-term plans to challenge America America’s achievements and standing in the world and to advance agendas opposed to the United were neither inevitable nor accidental. On many States, our allies, and our partners. occasions, Americans have had to compete with We stood by while countries exploited the interna- adversarial forces to preserve and advance our tional institutions we helped to build. ey subsi- security, prosperity, and the principles we hold dized their industries, forced technology transfers, dear. At home, we fought the Civil War to end slav- and distorted markets. These and other actions ery and preserve our Union in the long strug- challenged America’s economic securi . At home, gle to extend equal rights for all Americans. In excessive regulations and high taxes stifl ed growth the course of the bloodiest century in human his- and weakened free enterprise—history’s great- tory, millions of Americans fought, and hun- est antidote to poverty. Each time government dreds of thousands lost their lives, to defend lib- encroached on the productive activities of private er in two World Wars and the Cold War. America, commerce, it threatened not only our prosperity with our allies and partners, defeated fascism, but also the spirit of creation and innovation that imperialism, and Soviet communism and elimi- has been key to our national greatness. nated any doubts about the power and durability of republican democracy when it is sustained by a free, proud, and unified people. A Competitive World The United States consolidated its military victories with political and economic triumphs The United States will respond to the growing built on market economies and fair trade, dem- political, economic, and military competitions we ocratic principles, and shared security partner- face around the world. ships. American political, business, and military China and Russia challenge American power, infl u- leaders worked together with their counterparts ence, and interests, a empting to erode American in Europe and Asia to shape the post-war order security and prosperity. They are determined to through the United Nations, the Marshall Plan, the make economies less free and less fair, to grow North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and their militaries, and to control information and other institutions designed to advance our shared data to repress their societies and expand their interests of securi , freedom, and peace. We recog- influence. At the same time, the dictatorships of nize the invaluable advantages that our strong rela- the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the tionships with allies and partners deliver. Islamic Republic of Iran are determined to desta- Following the remarkable victory of free nations in bilize regions, threaten Americans and our allies, the Cold War, America emerged as the lone super- and brutalize their own people. Transnational

2 INTRODUCTION

threat groups, from jihadist terrorists to transna- in combination with other elements of national tional criminal organizations, are actively trying power, is ready to protect Americans against to harm Americans. While these challenges dif- sophisticated challenges to national security. fer in nature and magnitude, they are fundamen- The contest over information accelerates these tally contests between those who value human political, economic, and military competitions. dignity and freedom and those who oppress Data, like energy, will shape U.S. economic prosper- individuals and enforce uniformity. ity and our future strategic position in the world. These competitions require the United States The ability to harness the power of data is fun- to rethink the policies of the past two decades—poli- damental to the continuing growth of America’s cies based on the assumption that engagement with economy, prevailing against hostile ideologies, rivals and their inclusion in international insti- and building and deploying the most effective tutions and global commerce would turn them military in the world. into benign actors and trustworthy partners. For We learned the di cult lesson that when America the most part, this premise turned out to be false. does not lead, malign actors fi ll the void to the dis- Rival actors use propaganda and other means to try advantage of the United States. When America to discredit democracy. ey advance anti-Western does lead, however, from a position of strength views and spread false information to create divi- and confi dence and in accordance with our inter- ests and values, all benefi t. sions among ourselves, our allies, and our partners. In addition, jihadist terrorists such as ISIS and Competition does not always mean hostility, nor al-Qa’ida continue to spread a barbaric ideology does it inevitably lead to conflictalthough none that calls for the violent destruction of governments should doubt our commitment to defend our inter- and innocents they consider to be apostates. ese ests. An America that successfully competes is the jihadist terrorists attempt to force those under best way to prevent confl ict. Just as American weak- their influence to submit to Sharia law. ness invites challenge, American strength and con- fidence deters war and promotes peace. America’s military remains the strongest in the world. However, U.S. advantages are shrinking as rival states modernize and build up their con- ventional and nuclear forces. Many actors can An America First now field a broad arsenal of advanced missiles, National Securi Strategy including variants that can reach the American homeland. Access to technology empowers and The competitions and rivalries facing the United emboldens otherwise weak states. North Korea—a States are not passing trends or momentary prob- lems. They are intertwined, long-term challenges country that starves its own people—has spent that demand our sustained national a ention and hundreds of millions of dollars on nuclear, chem- commitment. ical, and biological weapons that could threaten our homeland. In addition, many actors have America possesses unmatched political, eco- become skilled at operating below the thresh- nomic, military, and technological advantages. old of military conflict—challenging the United But to maintain these advantages, build upon our States, our allies, and our partners with hostile strengths, and unleash the talents of the American actions cloaked in deniabili . Our task is to ensure people, we must protect four vital national inter- that American military superiority endures, and ests in this competitive world.

3 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

First, our fundamental responsibility is to  ranny. We can play a catalytic role in promoting protect the American people, the homeland, private-sector-led economic growth, helping aspir- and the American way of life. We will strengthen ing partners become future trading and security control of our borders and reform our immigra- partners. And we will remain a generous nation, tion system. We will protect our critical infrastruc- even as we expect others to share responsibili . ture and go after malicious cyber actors. A layered Strengthening our sovereignty—the first duty of missile defense system will defend our homeland a government is to serve the interests of its own against missile a acks. And we will pursue threats people—is a necessary condition for protecting to their source, so that jihadist terrorists are these four national interests. And as we strengthen stopped before they ever reach our borders. our sovereignty we will renew confidence in our- Second, we will promote American prosperity. selves as a nation. We are proud of our history, We will rejuvenate the American economy for optimistic about America’s future, and confident the benefit of American workers and companies. of the positive example the United States o ers to We will insist upon fair and reciprocal economic the world. We are also realistic and understand relationships to address trade imbalances. The that the American way of life cannot be imposed United States must preserve our lead in research upon others, nor is it the inevitable culmination and technology and protect our economy from of progress. Together with our allies, partners, competitors who unfairly acquire our intellec- and aspiring partners, the United States will pur- tual property. And we will embrace America’s sue cooperation with reciprocity. Cooperation energy dominance because unleashing abundant means sharing responsibilities and burdens. energy resources stimulates our economy. In trade, fair and reciprocal relationships ben- efit all with equal levels of market access and Third, we will preserve peace through strength opportunities for economic growth. An America by rebuilding our military so that it remains pre- First National Security Strategy appreciates that eminent, deters our adversaries, and if necessary, America will catalyze conditions to unleash eco- is able to fight and win. We will compete with all nomic success for America and the world. tools of national power to ensure that regions of the world are not dominated by one power. We In the United States, free men and women have will strengthen America’s capabilities—includ- created the most just and prosperous nation in ing in space and cyberspace—and revitalize oth- history. Our generation of Americans is now ers that have been neglected. Allies and partners charged with preserving and defending that magnify our power. We expect them to shoul- precious inheritance. This National Security der a fair share of the burden of responsibil- Strategy shows the way. ity to protect against common threats.

Fourth, we will advance American influence because a world that supports American inter- ests and reflects our values makes America more secure and prosperous. We will compete and lead in multilateral organizations so that American interests and principles are protected. America’s commitment to liber , democracy, and the rule of law serves as an inspiration for those living under

4

PILLAR I P    A   P ,   H ,    A   W  L 

“We will defend our country, protect our communities, and put the safe of the American people fi rst.”

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP | JULY 2017

his National Security Strategy begins omy. They steal and exploit our intellectual prop- with the determination to protect the erty and personal data, interfere in our political T American people, the American way processes, target our aviation and maritime sec- of life, and American interests. Americans have tors, and hold our critical infrastructure at risk. long recognized the benefi ts of an interconnected All of these actions threaten the foundations of world, where information and commerce flow the American way of life. Reestablishing lawful freely. Engaging with the world, however, does control of our borders is a first step toward pro- not mean the United States should abandon its tecting the American homeland and strengthen- rights and duties as a sovereign state or compro- ing American sovereignty. mise its security. Openness also imposes costs, We must prevent nuclear, chemical, radiological, since adversaries exploit our free and demo- and biological a acks, block terrorists from reach- cratic system to harm the United States. ing our homeland, reduce drug and human traf- North Korea seeks the capabili to kill millions of ficking, and protect our critical infrastructure. Americans with nuclear weapons. Iran supports We must also deter, disrupt, and defeat poten- terrorist groups and openly calls for our destruc- tial threats before they reach the United States. tion. Jihadist terrorist organizations such as ISIS We will target jihadist terrorists and transna- and al-Qa’ida are determined to a ack the United tional criminal organizations at their source and States and radicalize Americans with their hate- dismantle their networks of support. ful ideology. Non-state actors undermine social We must also take steps to respond quickly to meet order through drug and human trafficking net- the needs of the American people in the event of works, which they use to commit violent crimes natural disaster or attack on our homeland. We and kill thousands of American each year. must build a culture of preparedness and resilience Adversaries target sources of American strength, across our governmental functions, critical infra- including our democratic system and our econ- structure, and economic and political systems.

7 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

Secure U.S. Borders Priori Actions and Territory ENHANCE MISSILE DEFENSE: The United States is deploying a layered missile defense system State and non-state actors place the safety of the focused on North Korea and Iran to defend our American people and the Nation’s economic homeland against missile attacks. This system vitality at risk by exploiting vulnerabilities will include the ability to defeat missile threats across the land, air, maritime, space, and cyber- prior to launch. Enhanced missile defense is space domains. Adversaries constantly evolve not intended to undermine strategic stabil- their methods to threaten the United States and ity or disrupt longstanding strategic relation- our citizens. We must be agile and adaptable. ships with Russia or China.

DETECT AND DISRUPT WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION: Defend Against Weapons At our borders and within our territory, we will of Mass Destruction (WMD) bolster efforts to detect nuclear, chemical, radio- logical, and biological agents and keep them from e danger from hostile state and non-state actors being used against us. We will also better inte- who are trying to acquire nuclear, chemical, radio- grate intelligence, law enforce- logical, and biological weapons is ment, and emergency manage- increasing. The Syrian regime’s ment operations to ensure that use of chemical weapons against frontline defenders have the its own citizens undermines Strengthening control right information and capabili- international norms against over our borders and ties to respond to WMD threats these heinous weapons, which immigration system is from state and non-state actors. may encourage more actors to central to national securi , pursue and use them. ISIS has ENHANCE COUNTERPROLIFERATION used chemical weapons in Iraq economic prosperi , and MEASURES: Building on decades and Syria. Terrorist groups con- the rule of law. of initiatives, we will aug- tinue to pursue WMD-related ment measures to secure, materials. We would face grave eliminate, and prevent the danger if terrorists obtained spread of WMD and related inadequately secured nuclear, materials, their delivery sys- radiological, or biological material. tems, technologies, and knowledge to reduce the chance that they might fall into the hands As missiles grow in numbers, types, and effec- of hostile actors. We will hold state and non- tiveness, to include those with greater ranges, state actors accountable for the use of WMD. they are the most likely means for states like North Korea to use a nuclear weapon against TARGET WMD TERRORISTS: We will direct coun- the United States. North Korea is also pursuing terterrorism operations against terrorist WMD chemical and biological weapons which could specialists, fi nanciers, administrators, and facilita- also be delivered by missile. China and Russia tors. We will work with allies and partners to detect are developing advanced weapons and capabil- and disrupt plots. ities that could threaten our critical infrastruc- ture and our command and control architecture.

8 PILLAR I: PROTECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, THE HOMELAND, AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE

Combat Biothreats and Pandemics fied coordination systems to rapidly character- ize outbreaks, implement public health contain- Biological incidents have the potential to cause ment measures to limit the spread of disease, catastrophic loss of life. Biological threats to the and provide surge medical care—including U.S. homeland—whether as the result of deliberate life-saving treatments. a ack, accident, or a natural outbreak—are growing and require actions to address them at their source. Strengthen Border Control Naturally emerging outbreaks of viruses such as and Immigration Policy Ebola and SARS, as well as the deliberate 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States, demon- Strengthening control over our borders and strated the impact of biological threats on national immigration system is central to national secu- security by taking lives, generating economic rity, economic prosperity, and the rule of law. losses, and contributing to a loss of confidence in Terrorists, drug traffickers, and criminal car- government institutions. tels exploit porous borders and threaten U.S. security and public safety. These actors adapt Advancements in life sciences that benefit our quickly to outpace our defenses. health, economy, and socie also open up new ave- nues to actors who want to cause harm. Dedicated The United States affirms our sovereign right to state actors are likely to develop more advanced determine who should enter our country and bioweapons, and these capabilities may become under what circumstances. The United States available to malicious non-state actors as well. understands the contributions immigrants have made to our Nation throughout its history. Illegal immigration, however, burdens the economy, Priori Actions hurts American workers, presents public safety

DETECT AND CONTAIN BIOTHREATS AT THEIR SOURCE: risks, and enriches smugglers and other criminals. We will work with other countries to detect e United States recognizes that decisions about and mitigate outbreaks early to prevent the who to legally admit for residency, citizenship, or spread of disease. We will encourage other coun- otherwise are among the most important a coun- tries to invest in basic health care systems and try has to make. The United States will continue to strengthen global health security across the to welcome lawful immigrants who do not pose intersection of human and animal health to pre- a security threat and whose entry is consistent vent infectious disease outbreaks. And we will with the national interest, while at the same time work with partners to ensure that laboratories enhancing the screening and vetting of travelers, that handle dangerous pathogens have in place closing dangerous loopholes, revising outdated safety and security measures. laws, and eliminating easily exploited vulnera- bilities. We will also reform our current immi- SUPPORT BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION: We will protect gration system, which, contrary to our national and support advancements in biomedical inno- interest and national securi , allows for random- vation by strengthening the intellectual prop- ized entry and extended-family chain migration. erty system that is the foundation of the biomedi- Residency and citizenship determinations should cal industry. be based on individuals’ merits and their ability IMPROVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE: At home, we will to positively contribute to U.S. socie , rather than strengthen our emergency response and uni- chance or extended family connections.

9 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

Priori Actions P u r s u e r e a t s ENHANCE BORDER SECURITY: We will secure our to eir Source borders through the construction of a bor- der wall, the use of multilayered defenses and There is no perfect defense against the range of advanced technology, the employment of addi- threats facing our homeland. That is why America tional personnel, and other measures. The U.S. must, alongside allies and partners, stay on the Government will work with foreign partners to offensive against those violent non-state groups deter, detect, and disrupt suspicious individuals that target the United States and our allies. well before they enter the United States. e primary transnational threats Americans face

ENHANCE VETTING: The U.S. Government will are from jihadist terrorists and transnational crim- enhance vetting of prospective immigrants, ref- inal organizations. Although their objectives di er, ugees, and other foreign visitors to identify indi- these actors pose some common challenges. First, viduals who might pose a risk to national secu- they exploit our open society. Second, they often rity or public safety. We will set higher security operate in loose confederations and adapt rapidly. standards to ensure that we keep dangerous peo- ird, they rely on encrypted communication and ple out of the United States and enhance our the dark web to evade detection as they plot, recruit, information collection and analysis to identify fi nance, and execute their operations. Fourth, they those who may already be within our borders. thrive under conditions of state weakness and prey on the vulnerable as they accelerate the break- ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS: We will enforce down of rules to create havens from which to plan immigration laws, both at the border and in the and launch a acks on the United States, our allies, interior, to provide an e ective deterrent to illegal and our partners. Fifth, some are sheltered and immigration. e apprehension and swift removal supported by states and do their bidding. of illegal aliens at the border is critical to an e ective border security strategy. We must also increase efforts to identify and counter fraud in the immi- Defeat Jihadist Terrorists gration process, which undermines the integrity Jihadist terrorist organizations present the most of our immigration system, exploits vulnerable dangerous terrorist threat to the Nation. America, individuals, and creates national security risks. alongside our allies and partners, is fi ghting a long BOLSTER TRANSPORTATION SECURITY: We will war against these fanatics who advance a totali- improve information sharing across our gov- tarian vision for a global Islamist caliphate that ernment and with foreign partners to enhance justifies murder and slavery, promotes repres- the security of the pathways through which peo- sion, and seeks to undermine the American way ple and goods enter the country. We will invest in of life. Jihadist terrorists use virtual and physical technology to counter emerging threats to our avi- networks around the world to radicalize isolated ation, surface, and maritime transportation sec- individuals, exploit vulnerable populations, and tors. We will also work with international and inspire and direct plots. industry partners to raise security standards. Even after the territorial defeat of ISIS and al-Qa’ida in Syria and Iraq, the threat from jihadist terror- ists will persist. ey have used ba lefi elds as test beds of terror and have exported tools and tactics to their followers. Many of these jihadist terror-

10 PILLAR I: PROTECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, THE HOMELAND, AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE

ists are likely to return to their home countries, SEVER SOURCES OF STRENGTH: We will disrupt the from which they can continue to plot and launch fi nancial, materiel, and personnel supply chains of a acks on the United States and our allies. terrorist organizations. We will sever their fi nanc- ing and protect the U.S. and international fi nancial The United States also works with allies and systems from abuse. We will degrade their abili partners to deter and dis- to message and attract poten- rupt other foreign terror- tial recruits. This includes ist groups that threaten combating the evil ideology the homeland—includ- We will give our frontline of jihadists by exposing its ing Iranian-backed groups falsehoods, promoting count- defenders—including homeland such as Lebanese Hizballah. er-narratives, and amplify- securi , law enforcement, and ing credible voices. intelligence professionals— Priori Actions SHARE RESPONSIBILITY: Our the tools, authorities, and allies and partners, who are DISRUPT TERROR PLOTS: We will resources to stop terrorist acts also targets of terrorism, will enhance intelligence shar- continue to share responsi- before they take place. ing domestically and with for- bility in fighting these bar- eign partners. We will give baric groups. We will help our our frontline defenders— partners develop and respon- including homeland secu- sibly employ the capacity to rity, law enforcement, and intelligence profes- degrade and maintain persistent pressure against sionals—the tools, authorities, and resources to terrorists and will encourage partners to work stop terrorist acts before they take place. independently of U.S. assistance.

TAKE DIRECT ACTION: The U.S. military and other COMBAT RADICALIZATION AND RECRUITMENT IN operating agencies will take direct action against COMMUNITIES: The United States rejects bigotry terrorist networks and pursue terrorists who and oppression and seeks a future built on our val- threaten the homeland and U.S. citizens regard- ues as one American people. We will deny vio- less of where they are. e campaigns against ISIS lent ideologies the space to take root by improving and al-Qa’ida and their a liates demonstrate that trust among law enforcement, the private sector, the United States will enable partners and sus- and American citizens. U.S. intelligence and home- land security experts will work with law enforce- tain direct action campaigns to destroy terrorists ment and civic leaders on terrorism prevention and and their sources of support, making it harder for provide accurate and actionable information about them to plot against us. radicalization in their communities. ELIMINATE TERRORIST SAFE HAVENS: Time and ter- ritory allow jihadist terrorists to plot, so we will Dismantle Transnational act against sanctuaries and prevent their reemer- gence, before they can threaten the U.S. home- Criminal Organizations land. We will go after their digital networks and The United States must devote greater resources work with private industry to confront the chal- to dismantle transnational criminal organiza- lenge of terrorists and criminals “going dark” and tions (TCOs) and their subsidiary networks. Some using secure platforms to evade detection. have established global supply chains that are

11 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

comparable to Fortune 500 corporations. Every COUNTER CYBER CRIMINALS: We will use sophisti- day they deliver drugs to American communities, cated investigative tools to disrupt the ability of fuel gang violence, and engage in cybercrime. e criminals to use online marketplaces, crypto- illicit opioid epidemic, fed by drug cartels as well currencies, and other tools for illicit activities. as Chinese fentanyl traffickers, kills tens of thou- e United States will hold countries accountable sands of Americans each year. ese organizations for harboring these criminals. weaken our allies and partners too, by corrupting and undermining democratic institutions. TCOs are motivated by profi t, power, and political infl u- Keep America Safe ence. They exploit weak governance and enable other national security threats, including terror- in the Cyber Era ist organizations. In addition, some state adver- America’s response to the challenges and oppor- saries use TCOs as instruments of national power, tunities of the cyber era will determine our future offering them territorial sanctuary where they prosperi and securi . For most of our history, the are free to conduct unattributable cyber intru- United States has been able to protect the home- sions, sabotage, theft, and political subversion. land by controlling its land, air, space, and mari- time domains. Today, cyberspace offers state and Priori Actions non-state actors the ability to wage campaigns against American political, economic, and secu- IMPROVE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND INTELLIGENCE: rity interests without ever physically crossing We will establish national-level strategic intelli- our borders. Cyberattacks offer adversaries low- gence and planning capabilities cost and deniable opportunities to improve the ability of agen- to seriously damage or disrupt cies to work together to combat critical infrastructure, cripple TCOs at home and abroad. America’s response American businesses, weaken our Federal networks, and DEFEND COMMUNITIES: We will to the challenges and attack the tools and devices that deny TCOs the ability to harm opportunities of the cyber Americans use every day to com- Americans. We will support era will determine municate and conduct business. public health efforts to halt the growth of illicit drug use in the our future prosperi Critical infrastructure keeps our United States, expand national a n d s e c u r i . food fresh, our houses warm, and community-based preven- our trade flowing, and our cit- tion efforts, increase access to izens productive and safe. The evidenced-based treatment for vulnerability of U.S. critical addiction, improve prescrip- infrastructure to cyber, phys- tion drug monitoring, and provide training on ical, and electromagnetic attacks means that substance use disorders for medical personnel. adversaries could disrupt military command and control, banking and fi nancial operations, the elec- DEFEND IN DEPTH: U.S. agencies and foreign trical grid, and means of communication. partners will target TCO leaders and their sup- port infrastructure. We will assist countries, par- Federal networks also face threats. ese networks ticularly in the Western Hemisphere, to break allow government agencies to carry out vital func- the power of these organizations and networks. tions and provide services to the American peo-

12 PILLAR I: PROTECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, THE HOMELAND, AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE

ple. The government must do a better job of pro- BUILD DEFENSIBLE GOVERNMENT NETWORKS: We will tecting data to safeguard information and the use the latest commercial capabilities, shared ser- privacy of the American people. Our Federal net- vices, and best practices to modernize our Federal works must be modernized and updated. information technology. We will improve our abil-

In addition, the daily lives of most Americans rely i to provide uninterrupted and secure communi- on computer-driven and interconnected technolo- cations and services under all conditions. gies. As our reliance on computers and connectiv- DETER AND DISRUPT MALICIOUS CYBER ACTORS: ity increases, we become increasingly vulnerable The Federal Government will ensure that those to cyberattacks. Businesses and individuals must charged with securing critical infrastructure have be able to operate securely in cyberspace. the necessary authorities, information, and capa- Security was not a major consideration when the bilities to prevent attacks before they affect or Internet was designed and launched. As it evolves, hold at risk U.S. critical infrastructure. e United the government and private sector must design States will impose swift and costly consequences systems that incorporate prevention, protec- on foreign governments, criminals, and other tion, and resiliency from the start, not as an after- actors who undertake signifi cant malicious cyber thought. We must do so in a way that respects free activities. We will work with allies and friends to markets, private competition, and the limited but expand our awareness of malicious activities. A important role of government in enforcing the stronger and more resilient critical infrastructure rule of law. As we build the next generation of dig- will strengthen deterrence by creating doubt in our ital infrastructure, we have an opportuni to put adversaries that they can achieve their objectives. our experience into practice. IMPROVE INFORMATION SHARING AND SENSING: The Internet is an American invention, and it The U.S. Government will work with our critical should reflect our values as it continues to trans- infrastructure partners to assess their informa- form the future for all nations and all genera- tional needs and to reduce the barriers to informa- tions. A strong, defensible cyber infrastructure tion sharing, such as speed and classification lev- fosters economic growth, protects our liberties, els. We will also invest in capabilities that improve and advances our national security. the ability of the United States to attribute cyber- a acks. In accordance with the protection of civil Priori Actions liberties and privacy, the U.S. Government will expand collaboration with the private sector so that IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE RISK: To improve the secu- rity and resilience of our critical infrastruc- we can be er detect and a ribute a acks. ture, we will assess risk across six key areas: DEPLOY LAYERED DEFENSES: Since threats transit national securi , energy and power, banking and globally, passing through communications back- finance, health and safety, communications, and bones without challenge, the U.S. Government will transportation. We will assess where cyberat- work with the private sector to remediate known tacks could have catastrophic or cascading con- bad activities at the network level to improve sequences and prioritize our protective efforts, the security of all customers. Malicious activ- capabilities, and defenses accordingly. ity must be defeated within a network and not be passed on to its destination whenever possible.

13 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

Promote American work together to defend our way of life. No exter- nal threat can be allowed to shake our shared Resilience commitment to our values, undermine our sys- tem of government, or divide our Nation. Despite our best efforts, our government cannot prevent all dangers to the American people. We can, however, help Americans remain resilient in Priori Actions the face of adversity. Resilience includes the abil- ity to withstand and recover rapidly from delib- IMPROVE RISK MANAGEMENT: The United States will erate attacks, accidents, natural disasters, as well improve its ability to assess the threats and haz- as unconventional stresses, shocks, and threats ards that pose the greatest risks to Americans to our economy and democratic system. In the and will prioritize resources based on the high- event of a disaster, Federal, state, and local agen- est risks. cies must perform essential functions and have BUILD A CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS: This Admin- plans in place to ensure the continuation of our istration will take steps to build a culture of pre- constitutional form of government. paredness, informing and empowering commu- Reducing risk and building more resilient com- nities and individuals to obtain the skills and munities are the best ways to protect people, prop- take the preparatory actions necessary to become erty, and taxpayer dollars from loss and disrup- more resilient against the threats and hazards tion. Through risk-informed investments, we will that Americans face. build resilient communities and infrastructure IMPROVE PLANNING: State and local governments to protect and benefi t future generations. must conduct realistic exercises that test exist- Should tragedy strike, the U.S. Government will ing plans to make sure that they are sound and help communities recover and rebuild. Citizens can be executed. Agencies from all levels of gov- must be confi dent in our government, but also rec- ernment must coordinate be er and apply lessons ognize that response and recovery begins with learned from exercises to pinpoint the areas and individuals and local communities. In difficult capabilities that require improvement. times, the true character of the American peo- INCENTIVIZE INFORMATION SHARING: To improve the ple emerges: their strength, their love, and their coordination among the private sector and all lev- resolve. Our fi rst responders selfl essly run toward els of government that is needed to improve resil- danger, and volunteers rally to the aid of neigh- ience, we must make a stronger commitment to bors when disaster strikes. protecting sensitive information so that all part- A democracy is only as resilient as its people. An ners actively identify and share vulnerabilities informed and engaged citizenry is the fundamen- and work collaboratively to reduce them. tal requirement for a free and resilient nation. For generations, our society has protected free press, free speech, and free thought. Today, actors such as Russia are using information tools in an a empt to undermine the legitimacy of democracies. Adversaries target media, political processes, fi nan- cial networks, and personal data. The American public and private sectors must recognize this and

14

PILLAR II P  A   P  

“Economic securi is national securi .”

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP | NOVEMBER 2017

strong economy protects the American tional economy and remove the points of friction people, supports our way of life, and sus- that had contributed to two world wars. tains American power. American work- A That economic system continues to serve our ers thrive when they are free to innovate, develop interests, but it must be reformed to help American and access our abundant natural resources, and workers prosper, protect our innovation, operate in markets free from excessive regula- and reflect the principles upon which that sys- tions and unfair foreign trade practices. A grow- tem was founded. Trading partners and inter- ing and innovative economy allows the United national institutions can do more to address States to maintain the world’s most powerful mili- trade imbalances and adhere to and enforce the tary and protect our homeland. rules of the order. We must rebuild our economic strength and Today, American prosperity and security are restore confidence in the American economic challenged by an economic competition play- model. Over decades, American factories, com- ing out in a broader strategic context. The United panies, and jobs moved overseas. After the 2008 States helped expand the liberal economic trad- global fi nancial crisis, doubt replaced confi dence. ing system to countries that did not share our val- Risk-aversion and regulations replaced investment ues, in the hopes that these states would liber- and entrepreneurship. e recovery produced ane- alize their economic and political practices and mic growth in real earnings for American workers. provide commensurate benefits to the United e U.S. trade defi cit grew as a result of several fac- States. Experience shows that these countries dis- tors, including unfair trading practices. torted and undermined key economic institu- tions without undertaking significant reform of For 70 years, the United States has embraced a their economies or politics. ey espouse free trade strategy premised on the belief that leadership rhetoric and exploit its benefits, but only adhere of a stable international economic system rooted selectively to the rules and agreements. in American principles of reciprocity, free mar- kets, and free trade served our economic and We welcome all economic relationships rooted in security interests. Working with our allies and fairness, reciproci , and faithful adherence to the partners, the United States led the creation of rules. ose who join this pursuit will be our clos- a group of financial institutions and other eco- est economic partners. But the United States will nomic forums that established equitable rules no longer turn a blind eye to violations, cheating, and built instruments to stabilize the interna- or economic aggression. We must work with like-

17 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

minded allies and partners to ensure our princi- ulation burdened small businesses. Banking regu- ples prevail and the rules are enforced so that our lations squelched new bank formation and caused economies prosper. hundreds of small banks to close. Regulation decreased credit availability to The United States will pursue consumers and decreased prod- an economic strategy that reju- uct choice. Excessive environ- venates the domestic economy, mental and infrastructure reg- benefits the American worker, Rebuilding economic ulations impeded American revitalizes the U.S. manufactur- strength at home and energy trade and the devel- ing base, creates middle-class preserving a fair and opment of new infrastruc- jobs, encourages innovation, pre- ture projects. serves technological advantage, reciprocal international safeguards the environment, economic system will Moreover, the poor state of our and achieves energy dominance. enhance our securi and physical infrastructure stulti- Rebuilding economic strength fied the economy, reduced the advance prosperi and at home and preserving a fair profitability of American small and reciprocal international peace in the world. businesses, and slowed the pro- economic system will enhance ductivity of American workers. our security and advance pros- America’s digital infrastructure perity and peace in the world. also fell behind. Improvements in bandwidth, better broadband connectiv- ity, and protection from persistent cyberattacks Rejuvenate the are needed to support America’s future growth. Economic and personal transactions are depen- Domestic Economy dent upon the “.com world,” and wealth creation Economic challenges at home demand that we depends on a reliable, secure Internet. understand economic prosperity as a pillar of The Administration is dedicated to rejuvenat- national security. Despite low unemployment ing the U.S. economy, unleashing the potential of rates and stock market gains, overall economic all Americans, and restoring confidence in our growth has, until recently, been anemic since free market system. Promoting American pros- the 2008 recession. In the past five years, gross perity makes America more secure and advances domestic product (GDP) growth hovered barely American infl uence in the world. above two percent, and wages stagnated. Taxes increased, and health insurance and prescrip- tion drug costs continued to rise, albeit at a slower Priori Actions pace. Education costs climbed at rates far above REDUCE REGULATORY BURDENS: Departments and inflation, increasing student debt. Productivity agencies will eliminate unnecessary regulations growth fell to levels not seen in decades. that stifl e growth, drive up costs for American busi- Signifi cant government intrusion in the economy nesses, impede research and development, dis- slowed growth and job creation. Regulatory and courage hiring, and incentivize domestic busi- corporate tax policies incentivized businesses to nesses to move overseas. We will balance our invest overseas and disadvantaged American com- reduction in regulations with adequate protec- panies against foreign competitors. Excessive reg- tions and oversight.

18 PILLAR II: PROMOTE AMERICAN PROSPERITY

PROMOTE TAX REFORM: This Administration will Promote Free, Fair, work with the Congress to create a simpler, fairer, and pro-growth tax code that encourages the and Reciprocal Economic creation of higher wage jobs and gives middle- Relationships income families tax relief. Reduced business tax rates and a territorial system for foreign sub- For decades, the United States has allowed unfair sidiary earnings will improve the competitive- trading practices to grow. Other countries have ness of American companies and encourage their used dumping, discriminatory non-tariff barri- return to the United States. ers, forced technology transfers, non-economic capacity, industrial subsidies, and other support IMPROVE AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE: Federal, state, from governments and state-owned enterprises to and local governments will work together with pri- gain economic advantages. vate industry to improve our airports, seaports and waterways, roads and railways, transit sys- Today we must meet the challenge. We will address tems, and telecommunications. e United States persistent trade imbalances, break down trade will use our strategic advantage as a leading natu- barriers, and provide Americans new opportuni- ral gas producer to transform transportation and ties to increase their exports. The United States manufacturing. We will improve America’s digital will expand trade that is fairer so that U.S. work- infrastructure by deploying a secure 5G Internet ers and industries have more opportunities to capability nationwide. These improvements will compete for business. We oppose closed mercan- increase national competitiveness, benefi t the envi- tilist trading blocks. By strengthening the inter- ronment, and improve our quali of life. national trading system and incentivizing other

REDUCE THE DEBT THROUGH FISCAL countries to embrace mar- ket-friendly policies, we can RESPONSIBILITY: The national debt, now over $20 trillion, pres- enhance our prosperi . ents a grave threat to America’s  e Administration is e United States distinguishes long-term prosperity and, by dedicated to rejuvenating between economic competition extension, our national securi . with countries that follow fair the U.S. economy, By restraining Federal spending, and free market principles and making government more effi- unleashing the potential competition with those that act cient, and by modernizing our of all Americans, and with little regard for those prin- tax system and making our busi- ciples. We will compete with restoring confi dence in our nesses globally competitive, our like-minded states in the eco- economy will grow and make the free market system. nomic domain—particularly existing debt more serviceable. where trade imbalances exist—

SUPPORT EDUCATION AND while recognizing that compe- APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS: tition is healthy when nations We will support apprenticeships and work- share values and build fair and reciprocal rela- force development programs that pre- tionships. The United States will pursue enforce- pare American workers for high-wage ment actions when countries violate the rules manufacturing and science, technology, engi- to gain unfair advantage. The United States will neering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs of the engage industrialized democracies and other like- 21st century. minded states to defend against economic aggres-

19 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY sion, in all its forms, that threatens our com- Lead in Research, Technology, mon prosperity and security. Invention, and Innovation Priori Actions The United States will build on the ingenuity that has launched industries, created jobs, and ADOPT NEW TRADE AND INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS improved the quality of life at home and abroad. AND MODERNIZE EXISTING ONES: The United States To maintain our competitive advantage, the will pursue bilateral trade and investment agree- United States will prioritize emerging technolo- ments with countries that commit to fair and recip- gies critical to economic growth and securi , such rocal trade and will modernize existing agree- as data science, encryption, autonomous tech- ments to ensure they are consistent with those nologies, gene editing, new materials, nanotech- principles. Agreements must adhere to high stan- nology, advanced computing technologies, and dards in intellectual property, digital trade, agri- artificial intelligence. From self-driving cars to culture, labor, and the environment. autonomous weapons, the fi eld of artifi cial intelli-

COUNTER UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: The United gence, in particular, is progressing rapidly. States will counter all unfair trade practices that e United States must continue to a ract the inno- distort markets using all appropriate means, vative and the inventive, the brilliant and the bold. from dialogue to enforcement tools. We will encourage scientists in government, aca-

COUNTER FOREIGN CORRUPTION: Using our eco- demia, and the private sector to achieve advance- nomic and diplomatic tools, the United States will ments across the full spectrum of discovery, from continue to target corrupt foreign officials and incremental improvements to game-changing work with countries to improve their ability to breakthroughs. We will nurture a healthy inno- fight corruption so U.S. companies can compete vation economy that collaborates with allies and fairly in transparent business climates. partners, improves STEM education, draws on an advanced technical workforce, and invests in ear- WORK WITH LIKE-MINDED PARTNERS: The United ly-stage research and development (R&D). States will work with like-minded partners to pre- serve and modernize the rules of a fair and recip- rocal economic order. Together we will emphasize Priori Actions fair trade enforcement actions when necessary, as UNDERSTAND WORLDWIDE SCIENCE AND TECH- well as multinational efforts to ensure transpar- NOLOGY (S&T) TRENDS: To retain U.S. advantages ency and adherence to international standards over our competitors, U.S. Government agencies within trade and investment projects. must improve their understanding of worldwide FACILITATE NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES: e U n i t e d S&T trends and how they are likely to influence— States will partner with countries as they build or undermine—American strategies and programs. their export markets, promote free market com- ATTRACT AND RETAIN INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS: petition, and incentivize private sector growth. The U.S. Government must improve our collab- We will expand U.S. trade and investment oppor- oration with industry and academia and our tunities and increase the market base for U.S. recruitment of technical talent. We will remove goods and services. barriers to the full use of talent across Federal agencies, and increase incentives for hiring and retaining Federal STEM employees. Initiatives

20 PILLAR II: PROMOTE AMERICAN PROSPERITY

will include rapid hiring, swift adjudication of means to weaken our businesses and our econ- national security clearances, and offers of com- omy as facets of cyber-enabled economic war- petitive salaries. We must create easier paths fare and other malicious activities. In addition to for the flow of scientists, engineers, and technol- these illegal means, some actors use largely legit- ogists into and out of public service. imate, legal transfers and relationships to gain access to fields, experts, and trusted foundries LEVERAGE PRIVATE CAPITAL AND EXPERTISE TO BUILD that fill their capability gaps and erode America’s AND INNOVATE: The U.S. Government will use pri- long-term competitive advantages. vate sector technical expertise and R&D capabili- ties more e ectively. Private industry owns many We must defend our National Securi Innovation of the technologies that the government relies Base (NSIB) against competitors. The NSIB is upon for critical national security missions. The the American network of knowledge, capabili- Department of Defense and other agencies will ties, and people—including academia, National establish strategic partnerships with U.S. compa- Laboratories, and the private sector—that turns nies to help align private sector R&D resources to ideas into innovations, transforms discoveries priority national security applications. into successful commercial products and com- panies, and protects and enhances the American RAPIDLY FIELD INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS: The way of life. e genius of creative Americans, and United States must regain the element of surprise the free system that enables them, is critical to and field new technologies at the pace of mod- American security and prosperity. ern industry. Government agencies must shift from an archaic R&D process to an approach that Protecting the NSIB requires a domestic and inter- rewards rapid fielding and risk taking. national response beyond the scope of any indi- vidual company, industry, university, or govern- ment agency. The landscape of innovation does Promote and Protect not divide neatly into sectors. Technologies that are part of most weapon systems often originate the U.S. National Securi in diverse businesses as well as in universities and Innovation Base colleges. Losing our innovation and technologi- cal edge would have far-reaching negative implica- America’s business climate and legal and regu- tions for American prosperi and power. latory systems encourage risk taking. We are a nation of people who work hard, dream big, and Priori Actions never give up. Not every country shares these characteristics. Some instead steal or illicitly UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES: e U.S. Government acquire America’s hard-earned intellectual prop- will develop a capabili to integrate, monitor, and erty and proprietary information to compensate better understand the national security implica- for their own systemic weaknesses. tions of unfair industry trends and the actions of our rivals. We will explore new ways to share this Every year, competitors such as China steal U.S. information with the private sector and academia intellectual property valued at hundreds of bil- so they be er understand their responsibilities in lions of dollars. Stealing proprietary technol- curtailing activities that undercut America’s NSIB. ogy and early-stage ideas allows competitors to unfairly tap into the innovation of free societ- PROTECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: e United States ies. Over the years, rivals have used sophisticated will reduce the illicit appropriation of U.S. pub-

21 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

lic and private sector technology and technical that access to energy is diversifi ed, and recognizes knowledge by hostile foreign competitors. While the importance of environmental stewardship. maintaining an investor-friendly climate, this Access to domestic sources of clean, affordable, Administration will work with the Congress to and reliable energy underpins a prosperous, strengthen the Commi ee on Foreign Investment secure, and powerful America for decades to come. in the United States (CFIUS) to ensure it addresses Unleashing these abundant current and future national energy resources—coal, natural securi risks. e United States gas, petroleum, renewables, and will prioritize counterintel- nuclear—stimulates the econ- ligence and law enforcement For the fi rst time in omy and builds a foundation for activities to curtail intellectual generations, the United future growth. Our Nation must property theft by all sources States will be an energy- take advantage of our wealth in and will explore new legal and domestic resources and energy dominant nation. regulatory mechanisms to pre- efficiency to promote competi- vent and prosecute violations. tiveness across our industries.

TIGHTEN VISA PROCEDURES: The United States also anchors The United States will review the North American energy sys- visa procedures to reduce economic theft by tem, which is one of the most highly integrated in non-traditional intelligence collectors. We will the world. Our vibrant cross-border energy trade consider restrictions on foreign STEM stu- and investment are vital for a robust and resilient dents from designated countries to ensure U.S. economy and energy market. We are com- that intellectual property is not transferred mitted to supporting energy initiatives that will to our competitors, while acknowledging the attract investments, safeguard the environment, importance of recruiting the most advanced tech- strengthen our energy security, and unlock the nical workforce to the United States. enormous potential of our shared region.

PROTECT DATA AND UNDERLYING INFRASTRUCTURE: Climate policies will continue to shape the global The United States will expand our focus beyond energy system. U.S. leadership is indispensable protecting networks to protecting the data on to countering an anti-growth energy agenda that those networks so that it remains secure—both at is detrimental to U.S. economic and energy secu- rest and in transit. To do this, the U.S. Government ri interests. Given future global energy demand, will encourage practices across companies much of the developing world will require fossil and universities to defeat espionage and theft. fuels, as well as other forms of energy, to power their economies and lift their people out of pover . e United States will continue to advance an approach Embrace Energy Dominance that balances energy security, economic develop- ment, and environmental protection. The United For the fi rst time in generations, the United States States will remain a global leader in reducing tradi- will be an energy-dominant nation. Energy dom- tional pollution, as well as greenhouse gases, while inance—America’s central position in the global expanding our economy. is achievement, which energy system as a leading producer, consumer, and can serve as a model to other countries, fl ows from innovator—ensures that markets are free and U.S. innovation, technology breakthroughs, and energy infrastructure is resilient and secure. It ensures efficiency gains, not from onerous regulation.

22 PILLAR II: PROMOTE AMERICAN PROSPERITY

As a growing supplier of energy resources, technol- ENSURE ENERGY SECURITY: The United States will ogies, and services around the world, the United work with allies and partners to protect global States will help our allies and partners become energy infrastructure from cyber and physical more resilient against those that use energy to threats. The United States will support the diver- coerce. America’s role as an energy exporter will sification of energy sources, supplies, and routes also require an assessment of our vulnerabilities at home and abroad. We will modernize our stra- and a resilient American infrastructure. tegic petroleum stocks and encourage other countries to develop their own—consistent with Finally, the Nation’s long-term energy security their national energy security needs. future rests with our people. We must invest in our future by supporting innovation and R&D, includ- ATTAIN UNIVERSAL ENERGY ACCESS: The United ing through the National Laboratories. States will seek to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable energy, including highly effi- cient fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables, to Priori Actions help reduce poverty, foster economic growth, REDUCE BARRIERS: e United States will promote and promote prosperity. clean and safe development of our energy resources, FURTHER AMERICA’S TECHNOLOGICAL EDGE: We will while limiting regulatory burdens that encum- improve America’s technological edge in energy, ber energy production and constrain economic including nuclear technology, next-generation growth. We will streamline the Federal regula- nuclear reactors, better batteries, advanced com- tory approval processes for energy infrastructure, puting, carbon-capture technologies, and opportu- from pipeline and export terminals to container nities at the energy-water nexus. e United States shipments and gathering lines, while also ensuring will continue to lead in innovative and efficient responsible environmental stewardship. energy technologies, recognizing the economic PROMOTE EXPORTS: The United States will pro- and environmental benefi ts to end users. mote exports of our energy resources, technolo- gies, and services, which helps our allies and part- ners diversify their energy sources and brings economic gains back home. We will expand our export capaci through the continued support of private sector development of coastal terminals, allowing increased market access and a greater competitive edge for U.S. industries.

23

PILLAR III P P  T  S

“As long as I am President, the servicemen and women who defend our Nation will have the equipment, the resources, and the funding they need to secure our homeland, to respond to our enemies quickly and decisively, and, when necessary, to fi ght, to overpower, and to always, always, always win.”

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP | DECEMBER 2017

central continuity in history is the con- States stands ready to cooperate across areas of test for power. The present time period mutual interest with both countries. is no different. Three main sets of chal- A For decades, U.S. policy was rooted in the belief lengers—the revisionist powers of China and that support for China’s rise and for its integra- Russia, the rogue states of Iran and North Korea, tion into the post-war international order would and transnational threat organizations, particu- liberalize China. Contrary to our hopes, China larly jihadist terrorist groups—are actively com- expanded its power at the expense of the sov- peting against the United States and our allies ereignty of others. China gathers and exploits and partners. Although differing in nature and data on an unrivaled scale and spreads features magnitude, these rivals compete across politi- of its authoritarian system, including corrup- cal, economic, and military arenas, and use tech- tion and the use of surveillance. It is building the nology and information to accelerate these con- most capable and well-funded military in the tests in order to shift regional balances of power world, after our own. Its nuclear arsenal is grow- in their favor. These are fundamentally political ing and diversi ing. Part of China’s military mod- contests between those who favor repressive sys- ernization and economic expansion is due to its tems and those who favor free societies. access to the U.S. innovation economy, includ- China and Russia want to shape a world antithetical ing America’s world-class universities. to U.S. values and interests. China seeks to displace Russia aims to weaken U.S. infl uence in the world the United States in the Indo-Pacifi c region, expand and divide us from our allies and partners. Russia the reaches of its state-driven economic model, views the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and reorder the region in its favor. Russia seeks to (NATO) and European Union (EU) as threats. Russia restore its great power status and establish spheres is investing in new military capabilities, includ- of influence near its borders. The intentions of ing nuclear systems that remain the most signifi- both nations are not necessarily fi xed. e United cant existential threat to the United States, and in

25 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

destabilizing cyber capabilities. rough modern- tests will influence the political, economic, and ized forms of subversive tactics, Russia interferes military strength of the United States and our in the domestic political a airs of countries around allies and partners. the world. The combination of Russian ambition To prevail, we must integrate all elements of and growing military capabilities creates an unsta- America’s national power—political, economic, and ble frontier in Eurasia, where the risk of conflict military. Our allies and partners must also con- due to Russian miscalculation is growing. tribute the capabilities, and demonstrate the will, e scourge of the world today is a small group of to confront shared threats. Experience suggests rogue regimes that violate all principles of free that the willingness of rivals to abandon or forgo and civilized states. The Iranian regime spon- aggression depends on their perception of U.S. sors terrorism around the world. It is developing strength and the vitali of our alliances. more capable ballistic missiles and has the poten- The United States will seek areas of cooperation tial to resume its work on nuclear weapons that with competitors from a position of strength, fore- could threaten the United States and our part- most by ensuring our military power is second ners. North Korea is ruled as a ruthless dictator- to none and fully integrated with our allies and ship without regard for human dignity. For more all of our instruments of power. A strong mili- than 25 years, it has pursued nuclear weapons tary ensures that our diplomats are able to oper- and ballistic missiles in defi ance of every commit- ate from a position of strength. In this way we can, ment it has made. Today, these missiles and weap- together with our allies and partners, deter and if ons threaten the United States and our allies. e necessary, defeat aggression against U.S. interests longer we ignore threats from countries deter- and increase the likelihood of managing competi- mined to proliferate and develop weapons of mass tions without violent confl ict and preserving peace. destruction, the worse such threats become, and the fewer defensive options we have. The United States continues to wage a long war Renew America’s against jihadist terrorist groups such as ISIS and Competitive Advantages al-Qa’ida. These groups are linked by a common radical Islamist ideology that encourages vio- The United States must consider what is endur- lence against the United States and our partners ing about the problems we face, and what is new. and produces misery for those under their control. The contests over influence are timeless. They Although the United States and our partners have have existed in varying degrees and levels of inten- infl icted defeats on ISIS and al-Qa’ida in Syria and sity, for millennia. Geopolitics is the interplay of Iraq, these organizations maintain global reach these contests across the globe. But some condi- with established branches in strategic locations. tions are new, and have changed how these com- The threat from jihadist terrorists will persist, petitions are unfolding. We face simultaneous even as we intensify efforts to prevent attacks on threats from different actors across multiple are- Americans, our allies, and our partners. nas—all accelerated by technology. The United States must develop new concepts and capabili- Protecting American interests requires that we ties to protect our homeland, advance our pros- compete continuously within and across these peri , and preserve peace. contests, which are being played out in regions around the world. The outcome of these con-

26 PILLAR III: PRESERVE PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

Since the 1990s, the United States displayed a great In addition, after being dismissed as a phenom- degree of strategic complacency. We assumed that enon of an earlier century, great power competi- our military superiori was guaranteed and that tion returned. China and Russia began to reassert a democratic peace was inevitable. We believed their infl uence regionally and globally. Today, they that liberal-democratic enlargement and inclu- are fi elding military capabilities designed to deny sion would fundamentally alter America access in times of cri- the nature of international rela- sis and to contest our ability to tions and that competition would operate freely in critical com- give way to peaceful cooperation.  e United States will seek mercial zones during peacetime. In short, they are contesting our Instead of building mili- areas of cooperation with geopolitical advantages and try- tary capacity, as threats to our competitors from a position ing to change the international national security increased, of strength, foremost by order in their favor. the United States dramatically ensuring our military cut the size of our military to Moreover, deterrence today the lowest levels since 1940. power is second to none is significantly more com- Instead of developing import- and fully integrated with plex to achieve than during the Cold War. Adversaries stud- ant capabilities, the Joint Force our allies and all of our entered a nearly decade long ied the American way of war instruments of power. “procurement holiday” during and began investing in capabil- which the acquisition of new ities that targeted our strengths weapon systems was severely and sought to exploit perceived limited. The breakdown of the weaknesses. The spread of accu- rate and inexpensive weap- Nation’s annual Federal budgeting process, exem- ons and the use of cyber tools have allowed state plified by sequestration and repeated continu- and non-state competitors to harm the United ing resolutions, further contributed to the ero- States across various domains. Such capabili- sion of America’s military dominance during a ties contest what was until recently U.S. domi- time of increasing threats. nance across the land, air, maritime, space, and Despite decades of efforts to reform the way that cyberspace domains. They also enable adversar- the United States develops and procures new weap- ies to a empt strategic a acks against the United ons, our acquisition system remained sclerotic. States—without resorting to nuclear weapons—in The Joint Force did not keep pace with emerg- ways that could cripple our economy and our abil- ing threats or technologies. We got less for our i to deploy our military forces. Deterrence must defense dollars, shortchanging American tax- be extended across all of these domains and must payers and warfi ghters. address all possible strategic attacks.

We also incorrectly believed that technology could In addition, adversaries and competitors became compensate for our reduced capaci —for the abil- adept at operating below the threshold of open i to fi eld enough forces to prevail militarily, con- military conflict and at the edges of interna- solidate our gains, and achieve our desired polit- tional law. Repressive, closed states and orga- ical ends. We convinced ourselves that all wars nizations, although brittle in many ways, are would be fought and won quickly, from stand-off often more agile and faster at integrating eco- distances and with minimal casualties. nomic, military, and especially informational

27 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY means to achieve their goals. They are unencum- Renew Capabilities bered by truth, by the rules and protections of pri- vacy inherent in democracies, and by the law of Given the new features of the geopolitical envi- armed conflict. They employ sophisticated politi- ronment, the United States must renew key capa- cal, economic, and military campaigns that com- bilities to address the challenges we face. bine discrete actions. They are patient and con- tent to accrue strategic gains over time—making it harder for the United States and our allies to Military respond. Such actions are calculated to achieve U.S. military strength remains a vital compo- maximum effect without provoking a direct mil- nent of the competition for influence. The Joint itary response from the United States. And as Force demonstrates U.S. resolve and commit- these incremental gains are realized, over time, ment and provides us with the ability to fight a new status quo emerges. and win across any plausible conflict that threat- ens U.S. vital interests. e United States must prepare for this  pe of com- petition. China, Russia, and other state and non- The United States must retain overmatch— state actors recognize that the United States often the combination of capabilities in sufficient views the world in binary terms, with states being scale to prevent enemy success and to ensure either “at peace” or “at war,” when it is actually an that America’s sons and daughters will never arena of continuous competition. Our adversar- be in a fair fight. Overmatch strengthens our ies will not fi ght us on our terms. We will raise our diplomacy and permits us to shape the inter- competitive game to meet that challenge, to pro- national environment to protect our interests. tect American interests, and to advance our values. To retain military overmatch the United States Our diplomatic, intelligence, military, and eco- must restore our ability to produce innovative nomic agencies have not kept pace with the changes capabilities, restore the readiness of our forces for in the character of competition. America’s mili- major war, and grow the size of the force so that it tary must be prepared to operate across a full spec- is capable of operating at sufficient scale and for trum of confl ict, across multiple domains at once. ample duration to win across a range of scenarios. To meet these challenges we must also upgrade We must convince adversaries that we can and our political and economic instruments to operate will defeat them—not just punish them if they across these environments. a ack the United States. We must ensure the abil- Bureaucratic inertia is powerful. But so is the tal- ity to deter potential enemies by denial, convinc- ent, creativity, and dedication of Americans. By ing them that they cannot accomplish objectives aligning our public and private sector efforts we through the use of force or other forms of aggres- can field a Joint Force that is unmatched. New sion. We need our allies to do the same—to modern- advances in computing, autonomy, and manufac- ize, acquire necessary capabilities, improve read- turing are already transforming the way we fi ght. iness, expand the size of their forces, and affirm When coupled with the strength of our allies and the political will to win. partners, this advantage grows. The future that we face is ours to win or lose. History suggests that Americans will rise to the occasion and that we can shift trends back in favor of the United States, our allies, and our partners.

28 PILLAR III: PRESERVE PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

Priori Actions IMPROVE READINESS: e United States must retain a ready force that is capable of protecting the home- MODERNIZATION: Ensuring that the U.S. military land while defending U.S. interests. Readiness can defeat our adversaries requires weapon sys- requires a renewed focus on training, logistics, tems that clearly overmatch theirs in lethality. and maintenance. We must be able to get to a the- Where possible, we must improve existing systems ater in time to shape events quickly. This will to maximize returns on prior investments. In other require a resilient forward posture and agile areas we should seek new capa- global mobility forces. bilities that create clear advan- RETAIN A FULL-SPECTRUM FORCE: tages for our military while The Joint Force must remain posing costly dilemmas for our Support for a vibrant capable of deterring and defeat- adversaries. We must elimi- ing the full range of threats to the nate bureaucratic impediments domestic manufacturing United States. The Department to innovation and embrace less sector, a solid defense of Defense must develop new expensive and time-intensive industrial base, and operational concepts and capa- commercial off-the-shelf solu- resilient supply chains bilities to win without assured tions. Departments and agen- dominance in air, maritime, cies must work with industry to is a national priori . land, space, and cyberspace experiment, prototype, and rap- domains, including against idly field new capabilities that those operating below the level can be easily upgraded as new of conventional military con- technologies come online. flict. We must sustain our competence in irregu- ACQUISITION: The United States will pursue new lar warfare, which requires planning for a long- approaches to acquisition to make better deals term, rather than ad hoc, fight against terrorist on behalf of the American people that avoid networks and other irregular threats. cost overruns, eliminate bloated bureaucra- cies, and stop unnecessary delays so that we can Defense Industrial Base put the right equipment into the hands of our forces. We must harness innovative technolo- A healthy defense industrial base is a critical ele- gies that are being developed outside of the tradi- ment of U.S. power and the National Security tional defense industrial base. Innovation Base. The ability of the military to surge in response to an emergency depends on CAPACITY: The size of our force matters. To deter our Nation’s ability to produce needed parts and conflict and, if deterrence fails, to win in war, systems, healthy and secure supply chains, and a the Nation must be able to field forces capa- skilled U.S. workforce. The erosion of American ble of operating in sufficient scale and for ample manufacturing over the last two decades, how- duration to defeat enemies, consolidate mili- ever, has had a negative impact on these capa- tary gains, and achieve sustainable outcomes bilities and threatens to undermine the ability that protect the American people and our vital of U.S. manufacturers to meet national security interests. The United States must reverse recent requirements. Today, we rely on single domes- decisions to reduce the size of the Joint Force tic sources for some products and foreign supply and grow the force while modernizing and chains for others, and we face the possibili of not ensuring readiness. being able to produce specialized components for

29 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

the military at home. As America’s manufactur- tial to prevent nuclear a ack, non-nuclear strategic ing base has weakened, so too have critical work- attacks, and large-scale conventional aggression. force skills ranging from industrial welding, to In addition, the extension of the U.S. nuclear deter- high-technology skills for cybersecuri and aero- rent to more than 30 allies and partners helps to space. Support for a vibrant domestic manufactur- assure their security, and reduces their need to ing sector, a solid defense industrial base, and resil- possess their own nuclear capabilities. ient supply chains is a national priority. Following the Cold War, the United States reduced investments in our nuclear enterprise and reduced Priori Actions the role of nuclear weapons in our strategy. Some parts of America’s strategic nuclear Triad of bomb- UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM: We will evaluate the ers, sea-based missiles, and land-based missiles are strengths and weaknesses of our defense indus- over 30 years old, and much of our nuclear infra- trial base, including the identification of materi- structure dates to the World War II era. At the same als essential to national security, contingencies time, however, nuclear-armed adversaries have that could affect supply chains, and technologies expanded their arsenals and range of delivery sys- that are likely to be critical for the future. tems. The United States must maintain the credi- ENCOURAGE HOMELAND INVESTMENT: The United ble deterrence and assurance capabilities provided States will promote policies and incentives by our nuclear Triad and by U.S. theater nuclear that return key national security industries capabilities deployed abroad. Significant invest- to American shores. Where possible, the U.S. ment is needed to maintain a U.S. nuclear arsenal Government will work with industry partners to and infrastructure that is able to meet national strengthen U.S. competitiveness in key technolo- securi threats over the coming decades. gies and manufacturing capabilities. In addition, we will reform regulations and processes to facili- Priori Actions tate the export of U.S. military equipment. SUSTAIN U.S. NUCLEAR WEAPONS: The United States PROTECT AND GROW CRITICAL SKILLS: The United will sustain a nuclear force structure that meets States must maintain and develop skilled trades our current needs and addresses unanticipated and high-technology skills through increased risks. The United States does not need to match support for technical college and apprentice- the nuclear arsenals of other powers, but we must ship programs. We will support STEM efforts, sustain a stockpile that can deter adversaries, at the Federal and state levels, and target national assure allies and partners, and achieve U.S. objec- security technology areas. tives if deterrence fails.

MODERNIZE U.S. NUCLEAR FORCES AND INFRA- Nuclear Forces STRUCTURE: We will modernize our nuclear enter- Nuclear weapons have served a vital purpose in prise to ensure that we have the scientific, engi- America’s National Security Strategy for the past neering, and manufacturing capabilities nec- 70 years. They are the foundation of our strat- essary to retain an effective and safe nuclear egy to preserve peace and stability by deterring Triad and respond to future national secu- aggression against the United States, our allies, rity threats. Modernization and sustainment and our partners. While nuclear deterrence strat- require investing in our aging command and egies cannot prevent all conflict, they are essen- control system and maintaining and growing

30 PILLAR III: PRESERVE PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

the highly skilled workforce needed to develop, est will be met with a deliberate response at a manufacture, and deploy nuclear weapons. time, place, manner, and domain of our choosing.

MAINTAIN STABLE DETERRENCE: To avoid miscalcu- lation, the United States will conduct discussions Priori Actions with other states to build predictable relation- ADVANCE SPACE AS A PRIORITY DOMAIN: America’s ships and reduce nuclear risks. We will consider newly re-established National Space Council, new arms control arrangements if they contribute to strategic stability and if they are verifiable. We chaired by the Vice President, will review America’s will not allow adversaries to use threats of nuclear long-range space goals and develop a strategy that escalation or other irresponsible nuclear behav- integrates all space sectors to support innova- iors to coerce the United States, our allies, and tion and American leadership in space. our partners. Fear of escalation will not prevent PROMOTE SPACE COMMERCE: The United States will the United States from defending our vital inter- simplify and update regulations for commer- ests and those of our allies and partners. cial space activity to strengthen competitiveness. As the U.S. Government partners with U.S. com- Space mercial space capabilities to improve the resil- iency of our space architecture, we will also con- The United States must maintain our leadership sider extending national security protections to and freedom of action in space. Communications our private sector partners as needed. and fi nancial networks, military and intelligence systems, weather monitoring, navigation, and MAINTAIN LEAD IN EXPLORATION: To enable human more have components in the space domain. As exploration across the solar system and to bring U.S. dependence on space has increased, other back to Earth new knowledge and opportuni- actors have gained access to space-based systems ties, we will increase public-private partnerships and information. Governments and private sector and promote ventures beyond low Earth orbit fi rms have the abili to launch satellites into space with allies and friends. at increasingly lower costs. e fusion of data from imagery, communications, and geolocation ser- Cyberspace vices allows motivated actors to access previously unavailable information. is “democratization of Malicious state and non-state actors use cyberat- space” has an impact on military operations and tacks for extortion, information warfare, disinfor- on America’s abili to prevail in confl ict. mation, and more. Such a acks have the capabili to harm large numbers of people and institutions Many countries are purchasing satellites to sup- with comparatively minimal investment and a port their own strategic military activities. Others troubling degree of deniability. These attacks can believe that the abili to a ack space assets o ers undermine faith and confidence in democratic an asymmetric advantage and as a result, are pur- institutions and the global economic system. suing a range of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. The United States considers unfettered access to Many countries now view cyber capabilities and freedom to operate in space to be a vital inter- as tools for projecting influence, and some use est. Any harmful interference with or an attack cyber tools to protect and extend their autocratic upon critical components of our space archi- regimes. Cyberattacks have become a key feature tecture that directly affects this vital U.S. inter- of modern conflict. The United States will deter,

31 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

defend, and when necessary defeat malicious The ability of the United States to modernize actors who use cyberspace capabilities against the our military forces to overmatch our adversar- United States. When faced with the opportunity ies requires intelligence support. Intelligence is to take action against malicious actors in cyber- needed to understand and anticipate foreign doc- space, the United States will be risk informed, but trine and the intent of foreign leaders, prevent tac- not risk averse, in considering our options. tical and operational surprise, and ensure that U.S. capabilities are not compromised before Priori Actions they are fielded. In addition, virtually all mod- ern weapon systems depend upon data derived IMPROVE ATTRIBUTION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND from scientifi c and technical intelligence. RESPONSE: We will invest in capabilities to sup- e IC, as well as the law enforcement communi , port and improve our ability to attribute cyber- offer unique abilities to defend against and miti- attacks, to allow for rapid response. gate threat actors operating below the threshold of ENHANCE CYBER TOOLS AND EXPERTISE: We will open conflict. Both communities have exception- improve our cyber tools across the spectrum of ally strong liaison relationships throughout the conflict to protect U.S. Government assets and world, allowing the United States to cooperate with U.S. critical infrastructure, and to protect the allies and partners to protect against adversaries. integrity of data and information. U.S. depart- ments and agencies will recruit, train, and Priori Actions retain a workforce capable of operating across this spectrum of activity. IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING: To prevent the theft of sensitive and proprietary information and main- IMPROVE INTEGRATION AND AGILITY: We will tain supply chain integri , the United States must improve the integration of authorities and pro- increase our understanding of the economic pol- cedures across the U.S. Government so that icy priorities of our adversaries and improve cyber operations against adversaries can be our ability to detect and defeat their attempts to conducted as required. We will work with the commit economic espionage. Congress to address the challenges that continue to hinder timely intelligence and information HARNESS ALL INFORMATION AT OUR DISPOSAL: The sharing, planning and operations, and the devel- United States will, in concert with allies and part- opment of necessary cyber tools. ners, use the information-rich open-source envi- ronment to deny the ability of state and non-state Intelligence actors to attack our citizens, conduct offensive intelligence activities, and degrade America’s America’s ability to identify and respond to geo- democratic institutions. strategic and regional shifts and their political, eco- FUSE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS: e United States nomic, military, and securi implications requires will fuse our analysis of information derived from that the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) gather, the diplomatic, information, military, and eco- analyze, discern, and operationalize information. nomic domains to compete more effectively on In this information-dominant era, the IC must con- the geopolitical stage. tinuously pursue strategic intelligence to antic- ipate geostrategic shifts, as well as shorter-term intelligence so that the United States can respond to the actions and provocations of rivals.

32 PILLAR III: PRESERVE PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

Diplomacy and Statecraft Priori Actions

PRESERVE A FORWARD DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE: Our Competitive Diplomacy diplomats must be able to build and sustain rela- tionships where U.S. interests are at stake. Face- Across the competitive landscape, America’s dip- to-face diplomacy cannot be replaced by tech- lomats are our forward-deployed political capa- nology. Relationships, developed over time, bility, advancing and defending America’s inter- create trust and shared understanding that the ests abroad. Diplomacy catalyzes the political, United States calls upon when confronting secu- economic, and societal connections that create rity threats, responding to crises, and encour- America’s enduring alignments and that build aging others to share the positive networks of rela- burden for tackling the tionships with partners. Diplomacy sustains dia- world’s challenges. We must logue and fosters areas of Diplomacy is indispensable to enable forward-deployed field work beyond the con- cooperation with compet- identi and implement solutions itors. It reduces the risk of fines of diplomatic facilities, to confl icts in unstable regions costly miscommunication. including partnering with of the world short of military military colleagues in con- Diplomacy is indispens- involvement. It helps to galvanize flict-affected states. able to identify and imple- ment solutions to con- allies for action and marshal the ADVANCE AMERICAN INTERESTS: flicts in unstable regions collective resources of like-minded In the ongoing contests of the world short of mili- nations and organizations for power, our diplomats tary involvement. It helps to to address shared problems. must build and lead coali- galvanize allies for action tions that advance shared and marshal the collective interests and articulate resources of like-minded America’s vision in interna- nations and organiza- tional forums, in bilateral tions to address shared problems. Authoritarian relationships, and at local levels within states. states are eager to replace the United States Our diplomats need additional flexibility to oper- where the United States withdraws our diplo- ate in complex conflict-affected areas. mats and closes our outposts. CATALYZE OPPORTUNITIES: Diplomats must iden- We must upgrade our diplomatic capabili- ties to compete in the current environment and tify opportunities for commerce and coop- to embrace a competitive mindset. Effective eration, and facilitate the cultural, educa- diplomacy requires the efficient use of limited tional, and people-to-people exchanges that resources, a professional diplomatic corps, modern create the networks of current and future polit- and safe facilities, and secure methods to commu- ical, civil society, and educational leaders who nicate and engage with local populations. will extend a free and prosperous world.

33 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

Tools of Economic Diplomacy Priori Actions

Retaining our position as the world’s preemi- REINFORCE ECONOMIC TIES WITH ALLIES AND nent economic actor strengthens our ability to PARTNERS: We will strengthen economic ties as a use the tools of economic diplomacy for the good core aspect of our relationships with like-minded of Americans and others. Maintaining America’s states and use our economic expertise, mar- kets, and resources to bolster states threatened central role in international financial forums by our competitors. enhances our security and prosperity by expand- ing a communi of free market economies, defend- DEPLOY ECONOMIC PRESSURE ON SECURITY THREATS: ing against threats from state-led economies, and We will use existing and pursue new economic protecting the U.S. and international economy authorities and mobilize international actors from abuse by illicit actors. to increase pressure on threats to peace and security in order to resolve confrontations short We want to create wealth for Americans and our of military action. allies and partners. Prosperous states are stron- SEVER SOURCES OF FUNDING: We will deny reve- ger security partners who are able to share the nue to terrorists, WMD proliferators, and other burden of confronting com- illicit actors in order to constrain mon threats. Fair and recip- their ability to use and move rocal trade, investments, and funds to support hostile acts exchanges of knowledge deepen and operations. our alliances and partnerships, America's competitors which are necessary to succeed weaponize information in today’s competitive geopoliti- to a ack the values and Information Statecraft cal environment. Trade, export institutions that underpin America’s competitors weap- promotion, targeted use of for- onize information to attack the free societies, while eign assistance, and modern- values and institutions that ized development finance tools shielding themselves from underpin free societies, while can promote stability, prosper- outside information. shielding themselves from out- ity, and political reform, and side information. They exploit build new partnerships based marketing techniques to tar- on the principle of reciprocity. get individuals based upon their activities, interests, Economic tools—including sanctions, anti-mon- opinions, and values. They disseminate mis- ey-laundering and anti-corruption measures, and information and propaganda. enforcement actions—can be important parts of Risks to U.S. national security will grow as com- broader strategies to deter, coerce, and constrain petitors integrate information derived from per- adversaries. We will work with like-minded part- sonal and commercial sources with intelligence ners to build support for tools of economic diplo- collection and data analytic capabilities based macy against shared threats. Multilateral eco- on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learn- nomic pressure is often more effective because it ing. Breaches of U.S. commercial and govern- limits the ability of targeted states to circumvent ment organizations also provide adversaries with measures and conveys united resolve. data and insights into their target audiences.

34 PILLAR III: PRESERVE PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

China, for example, combines data and the use of AI ACTIVATE LOCAL NETWORKS: Local voices are most to rate the loyal of its citizens to the state and uses compelling and effective in ideological competi- these ratings to determine jobs and more. Jihadist tions. We must amplify credible voices and part- terrorist groups continue to wage ideological infor- ner with them to advance alternatives to violent mation campaigns to establish and legitimize their and hateful messages. Since media and Internet narrative of hate, using sophisticated communica- companies are the platforms through which mes- tions tools to a ract recruits and encourage a acks sages are transported, the private sector should against Americans and our partners. lend its creativity and resources to promot- ing the values that inspire and grow a commu- Russia uses information operations as part of its nity of civilized groups and individuals. offensive cyber efforts to influence public opin- ion across the globe. Its infl uence campaigns blend SHARE RESPONSIBILITY: The United States will covert intelligence operations and false online per- urge states where radicalism thrives to take sonas with state-funded media, third-party inter- greater responsibility for countering violent mediaries, and paid social media users or “trolls.” messaging and promoting tolerant and pluralis- tic worldviews. U.S. e orts to counter the exploitation of informa- tion by rivals have been tepid and fragmented. U.S. UPGRADE, TAILOR, AND INNOVATE: We w i l l e orts have lacked a sustained focus and have been reexamine legacy delivery platforms for com- hampered by the lack of properly trained profes- municating U.S. messages overseas. We must sionals. The American private sector has a direct consider more cost-effective and efficient ways interest in supporting and amplifying voices to deliver and evaluate content consistent with that stand for tolerance, openness, and freedom. U.S. national security interests.

Priori Actions

PRIORITIZE THE COMPETITION: We will improve our understanding of how adversaries gain infor- mational and psychological advantages across all policies. The United States must empower a true public diplomacy capability to compete e ectively in this arena.

DRIVE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS: We will craft and direct coherent communications campaigns to advance American infl uence and counter chal- lenges from the ideological threats that ema- nate from radical Islamist groups and competitor nations. ese campaigns will adhere to American values and expose adversary propaganda and disinformation.

35

P I L L A R I V A  A   I 

“Above all, we value the digni of every human life, protect the rights of every person, and share the hope of every soul to live in freedom.  at is who we are.”

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP | JULY 2017

ur America First foreign policy cel- qualities have made America the richest coun- ebrates America’s influence in the try on earth—rich in culture, talent, opportuni- O world as a positive force that can help ties, and material wealth. set the conditions for peace and prosperity and e United States o ers partnership to those who for developing successful societies. share our aspirations for freedom and prosperity. ere is no arc of history that ensures that America’s We lead by example. “The world has its eye upon free political and economic system will automati- America," Alexander Hamilton once observed. “ e cally prevail. Success or failure depends upon our noble struggle we have made in the cause of liber , actions. This Administration has the confidence has occasioned a kind of revolution in human sen- to compete to protect our values and interests and timent. The influence of our example has pene- the fundamental principles that underpin them. trated the gloomy regions of despotism.”

During the Cold War, a totalitarian threat from We are not going to impose our values on oth- the Soviet Union motivated the free world to cre- ers. Our alliances, partnerships, and coalitions ate coalitions in defense of liberty. Today’s chal- are built on free will and shared interests. When lenges to free societies are just as serious, but the United States partners with other states, we more diverse. State and non-state actors proj- develop policies that enable us to achieve our ect influence and advance their objectives by goals while our partners achieve theirs. exploiting information, democratic media free- doms, and international institutions. Repressive Allies and partners are a great strength of the leaders often collaborate to subvert free societies United States. They add directly to U.S. politi- and corrupt multilateral organizations. cal, economic, military, intelligence, and other capabilities. Together, the United States and our Around the world, nations and individuals admire allies and partners represent well over half of what America stands for. We treat people equally the global GDP. None of our adversaries have and value and uphold the rule of law. We have comparable coalitions. a democratic system that allows the best ideas to flourish. We know how to grow economies so We encourage those who want to join our com- that individuals can achieve prosperity. These munity of like-minded democratic states and

37 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

improve the condition of their peoples. By mod- ongoing integration of Central and Eastern Europe ernizing U.S. instruments of diplomacy and devel- into Western institutions after the Cold War. opment, we will catalyze conditions to help them In Asia, the United States worked with South Korea achieve that goal. ese aspiring partners include and Japan, countries ravaged by war, to help them states that are fragile, recovering from conflict, become successful democracies and among the and seeking a path forward to most prosperous economies sustainable security and eco- in the world. nomic growth. Stable, prosper- These achievements were prod- ous, and friendly states enhance ucts of patient partnerships American security and boost  ere is no arc of history with those who aspired to build U.S. economic opportunities. that ensures that America’s prosperous societies and join We will continue to cham- free political and economic the community of democratic states. They resulted in mutu- pion American values and system will automatically offer encouragement to those ally beneficial relationships in prevail. Success or failure struggling for human dig- which the United States helped nity in their societies. There depends upon our actions. states mobilize their own can be no moral equivalency resources to achieve transitions between nations that uphold the to growth and stabili . Working rule of law, empower women, with these countries made the and respect individual rights United States wealthier and and those that brutalize and suppress their peo- more competitive. This progress illustrates how e ective foreign assistance programs should reach ple. Through our words and deeds, America their natural endpoint. demonstrates a positive alternative to political and religious despotism. Today, the United States must compete for positive relationships around the world. China and Russia target their investments in the developing world to Encourage Aspiring Partners expand infl uence and gain competitive advantages against the United States. China is investing bil- Some of the greatest triumphs of American state- lions of dollars in infrastructure across the globe. craft resulted from helping fragile and develop- Russia, too, projects its influence economically, ing countries become successful societies. These through the control of key energy and other infra- successes, in turn, created profitable markets for structure throughout parts of Europe and Central American businesses, allies to help achieve favor- Asia. e United States provides an alternative to able regional balances of power, and coalition part- state-directed investments, which often leave devel- ners to share burdens and address a varie of prob- oping countries worse off. The United States pur- lems around the world. Over time, the United States sues economic ties not only for market access but has helped create a network of states that advance also to create enduring relationships to advance our common interests and values. common political and security interests.

is historical record is unprecedented and excep- The United States will promote a development tional. American support to aspiring partners model that partners with countries that want prog- enabled the recovery of the countries of Western ress, consistent with their culture, based on free Europe under the Marshall Plan, as well as the market principles, fair and reciprocal trade, private

38 PILLAR IV: ADVANCE AMERICAN INFLUENCE

sector activity, and rule of law. The United States companies. American-led investments represent will shift away from a reliance on assistance based the most sustainable and responsible approach on grants to approaches that a ract private capital to development and offer a stark contrast to and catalyze private sector activi . We will empha- the corrupt, opaque, exploitive, and low-qual- size reforms that unlock the economic potential of ity deals offered by authoritarian states. citizens, such as the promotion of formal proper rights, entrepreneurial reforms, and infrastruc- ture improvements—projects that help people earn Priori Actions: their livelihood and have the added benefi t of help- Developing Countries ing U.S. businesses. By mobilizing both public and MOBILIZE RESOURCES: The United States will private resources, the United States can help maxi- modernize its development finance tools so that mize returns and outcomes and reduce the burden U.S. companies have incentives to capitalize on on U.S. Government resources. Unlike the state-di- opportunities in developing countries. With rected mercantilism of some competitors that these changes, the United States will not be left can disadvantage recipient nations and promote behind as other states use investment and proj- dependency, the purpose of U.S. foreign assistance ect finance to extend their influence. In addi- should be to end the need for it. e United States tion, the U.S. Government must not be an obsta- seeks strong partners, not weak ones. cle to U.S. companies that want to conduct U.S. development assistance must support business in the developing world. America’s national interests. We will prioritize col- CAPITALIZE ON NEW TECHNOLOGIES: We will incor- laboration with aspiring partners that are aligned porate innovative technologies in our diplo- with U.S. interests. We will focus on development matic and development programs. For exam- investments where we can have the most impact— ple, digital technologies enable millions to access where local reformers are committed to tackling financial services through their cell phones and their economic and political challenges. can connect farmers to markets. Such technol- Within this framework, the United States will ogies can reduce corruption, increase trans- also assist fragile states to prevent threats to the parency, and help ensure that money reaches U.S. homeland. Transnational threat organiza- its intended destination. tions, such as jihadist terrorists and organized INCENTIVIZE REFORMS: The United States will use crime, often operate freely from fragile states diplomacy and assistance to encourage states to and undermine sovereign governments. Failing make choices that improve governance, rule of states can destabilize entire regions. law, and sustainable development. We already Across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, states are do this through the Millennium Challenge eager for investments and financing to develop Corporation, which selects countries that are their infrastructure and propel growth. The committed to reform and then monitors and United States and its partners have opportuni- evaluates their projects. ties to work with countries to help them real- ize their potential as prosperous and sovereign Priori Actions: Fragile States states that are accountable to their people. Such states can become trading partners that buy more COMMIT SELECTIVELY: We will give priority to American-made goods and create more predict- strengthening states where state weaknesses or able business environments that benefi t American failure would magnify threats to the American

39 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

homeland. For instance, engagement in and an open, interoperable Internet are insepara- Afghanistan seeks to prevent the reemergence of ble from the success of the U.S. economy. terrorist safe havens. Authoritarian actors have long recognized the WORK WITH REFORMERS: Political problems are at power of multilateral bodies and have used them the root of most state fragility. The United States to advance their interests and limit the freedom will prioritize programs that empower reform- of their own citizens. If the United States cedes minded governments, people, and civil socie . As leadership of these bodies to adversaries, oppor- the United States designs its efforts, inputs from tunities to shape developments that are posi- local actors improve the likelihood of enduring tive for the United States will be lost. All institu- solutions, reduce costs, and increase accountabil- tions are not equal, however. The United States ity to the American taxpayer. will prioritize its efforts in those organizations that serve American interests, to ensure that SYNCHRONIZE ACTIONS: The United States must they are strengthened and supportive of the use its diplomatic, economic, and military tools United States, our allies, and our partners. Where simultaneously when assisting aspiring part- existing institutions and rules need moderniz- ners. We will place a priority on economic ing, the United States will lead to update them. support that achieves local and macroeconomic At the same time, it should be clear that the United stability, helps build capable security forces, and States will not cede sovereign to those that claim strengthens the rule of law. authority over American citizens and are in con- flict with our constitutional framework. Achieve Be er Outcomes Priori Actions in Multilateral Forums EXERCISE LEADERSHIP IN POLITICAL AND SECURITY The United States must lead and engage in the BODIES: e United States will strive for outcomes multinational arrangements that shape many in political and security forums that are consis- of the rules that affect U.S. interests and values. tent with U.S. interests and values—values which A competition for influence exists in these insti- are shared by our allies and partners. The United tutions. As we participate in them, we must pro- Nations can help contribute to solving many of tect American sovereign and advance American the complex problems in the world, but it must be interests and values. reformed and recommit to its founding princi- ples. We will require accountability and empha- A range of international institutions establishes size shared responsibility among members. If the the rules for how states, businesses, and individ- United States is asked to provide a disproportion- uals interact with each other, across land and sea, ate level of support for an institution, we will expect the Arctic, outer space, and the digital realm. It is a commensurate degree of influence over the vital to U.S. prosperi and securi that these insti- direction and efforts of that institution. tutions uphold the rules that help keep these com- mon domains open and free. Free access to the seas SHAPE AND REFORM INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND remains a central principle of national security TRADE INSTITUTIONS: e United States will continue and economic prosperity, and exploration of sea to play a leading role in institutions such as the and space provides opportunities for commercial International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, gain and scientifi c breakthroughs. e fl ow of data and World Trade Organization (WTO), but will

40 PILLAR IV: ADVANCE AMERICAN INFLUENCE

improve their performance through reforms. ese the law. America’s core principles, enshrined in reforms include encouraging multilateral devel- the Declaration of Independence, are secured by opment banks to invest in high-quali infrastruc- the Bill of Rights, which proclaims our respect ture projects that promote economic growth. We for fundamental individual liberties beginning will press to make the WTO a more e ective forum with the freedoms of religion, speech, the press, to adjudicate unfair trade practices. and assembly. Liberty, free enterprise, equal justice under the law, and the dignity of every ENSURE COMMON DOMAINS human life are central to who REMAIN FREE: e United States we are as a people. will provide leadership and technology to shape and gov- ese principles form the foun- ern common domains—space, For much of the world, dation of our most endur- cyberspace, air, and mari- America’s liberties are ing alliances, and the United States will continue to cham- time—within the framework of inspirational, and the United international law. The United pion them. Governments that States will always stand States supports the peace- respect the rights of their cit- ful resolution of disputes with those who seek freedom. izens remain the best vehi- under international law but We will remain a beacon cle for prosperity, human hap- piness, and peace. In contrast, will use all of its instruments of liber and opportuni of power to defend U.S. inter- governments that routinely around the world. ests and to ensure common abuse the rights of their citi- domains remain free. zens do not play constructive roles in the world. For example, PROTECT A FREE AND OPEN governments that fail to treat INTERNET: The United States women equally do not allow will advocate for open, interoperable commu- their societies to reach their potential. nications, with minimal barriers to the global exchange of information and services. e United No nation can unilaterally alleviate all human States will promote the free flow of data and pro- suffering, but just because we cannot help every- tect its interests through active engagement in key one does not mean that we should stop trying organizations, such as the Internet Corporation to help anyone. For much of the world, America’s for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the liberties are inspirational, and the United States Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the UN, and the will always stand with those who seek free- International Telecommunication Union (ITU). dom. We will remain a beacon of liberty and opportunity around the world.

The United States also remains committed to Champion American Values supporting and advancing religious freedom— America’s first freedom. Our Founders under- The extraordinary trajectory of the United States stood religious freedom not as the state’s creation, from a group of colonies to a thriving, industrial- but as the gift of God to every person and a funda- ized, sovereign republic—the world's lone super- mental right for our flourishing society. power—is a testimony to the strength of the idea on which our Nation is founded, namely that And it is part of our culture, as well as in America’s each of our citizens is born free and equal under interest, to help those in need and those trying to

41 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

build a be er future for their families. We aid oth- PROTECT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND RELIGIOUS ers judiciously, aligning our means to our objec- MINORITIES: We will advocate on behalf of religious tives, but with a firm belief that we can improve freedom and threatened minorities. Religious the lives of others while establishing conditions minorities continue to be victims of violence. We for a more secure and prosperous world. will place a priority on protecting these groups and will continue working with regional partners to protect minority communities from attacks Priori Actions and to preserve their cultural heritage.

SUPPORT THE DIGNITY OF INDIVIDUALS: We support, REDUCE HUMAN SUFFERING: e United States will with our words and actions, those who live under continue to lead the world in humanitarian assis- oppressive regimes and who seek freedom, indi- tance. Even as we expect others to share respon- vidual dignity, and the rule of law. We are under sibility, the United States will continue to cata- no obligation to offer the benefits of our free and lyze international responses to man-made and prosperous communi to repressive regimes and natural disasters and provide our expertise and human rights abusers. We may use diplomacy, capabilities to those in need. We will support sanctions, and other tools to isolate states and lead- food security and health programs that save lives ers who threaten our interests and whose actions and address the root cause of hunger and dis- run contrary to our values. We will not remain ease. We will support displaced people close to silent in the face of evil. We will hold perpetra- their homes to help meet their needs until they tors of genocide and mass atrocities accountable. can safely and voluntarily return home.

DEFEAT TRANSNATIONAL TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS: There can be no greater action to advance the rights of individuals than to defeat jihadist terror- ists and other groups that foment hatred and use violence to advance their supremacist Islamist ide- ologies. We will continue to join with other states to defeat this scourge of all civilized peoples.

EMPOWER WOMEN AND YOUTH: Societies that empower women to participate fully in civic and economic life are more prosperous and peace- ful. We will support efforts to advance wom- en’s equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote women and youth empower- ment programs.

42

T  S   R  C

The United States must tailor our approaches to different regions of the world to protect U.S. national interests. We require integrated regional strat- egies that appreciate the nature and magnitude of threats, the intensi of competitions, and the promise of available opportunities, all in the context of local political, economic, social, and historical realities.

hanges in a regional balance of power can tors. Terrorists and criminals thrive where gov- have global consequences and threaten ernments are weak, corruption is rampant, and C U.S. interests. Markets, raw materi- faith in government institutions is low. Strategic als, lines of communication, and human capital competitors often exploit rather than discour- are located within, or move among, key regions age corruption and state weakness to extract of the world. China and Russia aspire to proj- resources and exploit their populations. ect power worldwide, but they interact most with Regions afflicted by instability and weak govern- their neighbors. North Korea and Iran also pose ments also offer opportunities to improve secu- the greatest menace to those closest to them. But, ri , promote prosperi , and restore hope. Aspiring as destructive weapons proliferate and regions partner states across the developing world want become more interconnected, threats become to improve their societies, build transparent and more difficult to contain. And regional balances e ective governments, confront non-state threats, that shift against the United States could combine and strengthen their sovereignty. Many recog- to threaten our security. nize the opportunities offered by market econo- The United States must marshal the will and mies and political liberties and are eager for part- capabilities to compete and prevent unfavorable nership with the United States and our allies. e shifts in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle United States will encourage aspiring partners as East. Sustaining favorable balances of power will they undertake reforms and pursue their aspira- require a strong commitment and close cooper- tions. States that prosper and nations that tran- ation with allies and partners because allies and sition from recipients of development assistance partners magni U.S. power and extend U.S. infl u- to trading partners offer economic opportunities ence. They share our interests and responsibility for American businesses. And stability reduces for resisting authoritarian trends, contesting radi- threats that target Americans at home. cal ideologies, and deterring aggression. In other regions of the world, instabili and weak Indo-Pacifi c governance threaten U.S. interests. Some gov- ernments are unable to maintain security and A geopolitical competition between free and meet the basic needs of their people, making repressive visions of world order is taking place in their country and citizens vulnerable to preda- the Indo-Pacifi c region. e region, which stretches

45 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

from the west coast of India to the western shores eration of the world’s most destructive weapons of the United States, represents the most populous across the Indo-Pacifi c region and beyond. and economically dynamic part of the world. The U.S. allies are critical to responding to mutual U.S. interest in a free and open Indo-Pacifi c extends threats, such as North Korea, and preserving our back to the earliest days of our republic. mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Our Although the United States seeks to continue to alliance and friendship with South Korea, forged cooperate with China, China by the trials of history, is stron- is using economic induce- ger than ever. We welcome ments and penalties, influ- and support the strong lead- ence operations, and implied ership role of our critical ally, Sustaining favorable balances military threats to persuade Japan. Australia has fought other states to heed its political of power will require a alongside us in every signif- and security agenda. China’s strong commitment and close icant conflict since World infrastructure investments cooperation with allies and War I, and continues to rein- and trade strategies reinforce force economic and security partners because allies and its geopolitical aspirations. arrangements that support our Its efforts to build and mili- partners magni U.S. power shared interests and safeguard tarize outposts in the South and extend U.S. infl uence. democratic values across China Sea endanger the free the region. New Zealand is fl ow of trade, threaten the sov- a key U.S. partner contrib- ereignty of other nations, and uting to peace and security undermine regional stabil- across the region. We welcome ity. China has mounted a rapid military modern- India’s emergence as a leading global power and ization campaign designed to limit U.S. access to stronger strategic and defense partner. We will the region and provide China a freer hand there. seek to increase quadrilateral cooperation with China presents its ambitions as mutually ben- Japan, Australia, and India. eficial, but Chinese dominance risks diminish- In Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Thailand ing the sovereignty of many states in the Indo- remain important allies and markets for Pacific. States throughout the region are calling Americans. Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and for sustained U.S. leadership in a collective Singapore are growing security and economic response that upholds a regional order respect- partners of the United States. The Association of ful of sovereignty and independence. Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacifi c In Northeast Asia, the North Korean regime is Economic Cooperation (APEC) remain centerpieces rapidly accelerating its cyber, nuclear, and bal- of the Indo-Pacifi c’s regional architecture and plat- listic missile programs. North Korea’s pur- forms for promoting an order based on freedom. suit of these weapons poses a global threat that requires a global response. Continued provo- Priori Actions cations by North Korea will prompt neighbor- ing countries and the United States to further POLITICAL: Our vision for the Indo-Pacifi c excludes strengthen security bonds and take additional no nation. We will redouble our commitment to measures to protect themselves. And a nucle- established alliances and partnerships, while ar-armed North Korea could lead to the prolif- expanding and deepening relationships with new

46 THE STRATEGY IN A REGIONAL CONTEXT

partners that share respect for sovereign , fair and Taiwan Relations Act to provide for Taiwan’s legit- reciprocal trade, and the rule of law. We will rein- imate defense needs and deter coercion. We will force our commitment to freedom of the seas and expand our defense and securi cooperation with the peaceful resolution of territorial and maritime India, a Major Defense Partner of the United States, disputes in accordance with international law. and support India’s growing relationships through- We will work with allies and partners to achieve out the region. We will re-energize our alliances complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclear- with the Philippines and ailand and strengthen ization on the Korean Peninsula and preserve our partnerships with Singapore, Vietnam, the non-proliferation regime in Northeast Asia. Indonesia, Malaysia, and others to help them become cooperative maritime partners. ECONOMIC: The United States will encourage regional cooperation to maintain free and open seaways, transparent infrastructure financing practices, unimpeded commerce, and the peace- Europe ful resolution of disputes. We will pursue bilateral A strong and free Europe is of vital importance to trade agreements on a fair and reciprocal basis. We the United States. We are bound together by our will seek equal and reliable access for American shared commitment to the principles of democracy, exports. We will work with partners to build a net- individual liber , and the rule of law. Together, we work of states dedicated to free markets and pro- rebuilt Western Europe after World War II and cre- tected from forces that would subvert their sover- ated institutions that produced stabili and wealth eign . We will strengthen cooperation with allies on both sides of the Atlantic. Today, Europe is one on high-quality infrastructure. Working with of the most prosperous regions in the world and Australia and New Zealand, we will shore up frag- our most signifi cant trading partner. ile partner states in the Pacific Islands region to reduce their vulnerability to economic fluctu- Although the menace of Soviet communism is ations and natural disasters. gone, new threats test our will. Russia is using subversive measures to weaken the credibil- MILITARY AND SECURITY: We will maintain a forward ity of America’s commitment to Europe, under- military presence capable of deterring and, if nec- mine transatlantic unity, and weaken European essary, defeating any adversary. We will strengthen institutions and governments. With its inva- our long-standing military relationships and sions of Georgia and Ukraine, Russia demon- encourage the development of a strong defense net- strated its willingness to violate the sovereignty work with our allies and partners. For example, of states in the region. Russia continues to intim- we will cooperate on missile defense with Japan idate its neighbors with threatening behavior, and South Korea to move toward an area defense such as nuclear posturing and the forward deploy- capabili . We remain ready to respond with over- ment of offensive capabilities. whelming force to North Korean aggression and will improve options to compel denuclearization China is gaining a strategic foothold in Europe by of the peninsula. We will improve law enforce- expanding its unfair trade practices and invest- ment, defense, and intelligence cooperation with ing in key industries, sensitive technologies, and Southeast Asian partners to address the growing infrastructure. Europe also faces immediate terrorist threat. We will maintain our strong ties threats from violent Islamist extremists. Attacks with Taiwan in accordance with our “One China” by ISIS and other jihadist groups in Spain, France, policy, including our commitments under the Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and

47 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

other countries show that our European partners growth. We will encourage European foreign direct continue to face serious threats. Instability in the investment in the United States to create jobs. We Middle East and Africa has triggered the movement will work with our allies and partners to diver- of millions of migrants and refugees into Europe, si European energy sources to ensure the energy exacerbating instabili and tensions in the region. security of European countries. We will work with our partners to contest China’s unfair trade e United States is safer when Europe is prosper- and economic practices and restrict its acquisi- ous and stable, and can help defend our shared tion of sensitive technologies. interests and ideals. The United States remains fi rmly commi ed to our European allies and part- MILITARY AND SECURITY: The United States ful- ners. The NATO alliance of free and sovereign fills our defense responsibilities and expects oth- states is one of our great advantages over our com- ers to do the same. We expect our European allies petitors, and the United States remains commit- to increase defense spending to 2 percent of gross ted to Article V of the Washington Trea . domestic product by 2024, with 20 percent of this spending devoted to increasing military capa- European allies and partners increase our strate- bilities. On NATO’s eastern flank we will con- gic reach and provide access to forward basing and tinue to strengthen deterrence and defense, and overflight rights for global operations. Together catalyze frontline allies and partners’ efforts we confront shared threats. European nations to better defend themselves. We will work with are contributing thousands of troops to help fi ght NATO to improve its integrated air and mis- jihadist terrorists in Afghanistan, stabilize Iraq, sile defense capabilities to counter existing and and fight terrorist organizations across Africa projected ballistic and cruise missile threats, and the greater Middle East. particularly from Iran. We will increase counter- e NATO alliance will become stronger when all terrorism and cybersecuri cooperation. members assume greater responsibility for and pay their fair share to protect our mutual interests, sovereignty, and values. Middle East

The United States seeks a Middle East that is Priori Actions not a safe haven or breeding ground for jihadist POLITICAL: e United States will deepen collabora- terrorists, not dominated by any power hostile to tion with our European allies and partners to con- the United States, and that contributes to a stable front forces threatening to undermine our com- global energy market. mon values, securi interests, and shared vision. For years, the interconnected problems of Iranian The United States and Europe will work together expansion, state collapse, jihadist ideology, to counter Russian subversion and aggression, socio-economic stagnation, and regional rival- and the threats posed by North Korea and Iran. ries have convulsed the Middle East. The United We will continue to advance our shared princi- States has learned that neither aspirations for dem- ples and interests in international forums. ocratic transformation nor disengagement can ECONOMIC: The United States will work with the insulate us from the region’s problems. We must European Union, and bilaterally with the United be realistic about our expectations for the region Kingdom and other states, to ensure fair and recip- without allowing pessimism to obscure our inter- rocal trade practices and eliminate barriers to ests or vision for a modern Middle East.

48 THE STRATEGY IN A REGIONAL CONTEXT

e region remains home to the world’s most dan- aging cooperation among partners in the region, gerous terrorist organizations. ISIS and al-Qa’ida the United States can promote stability and a bal- thrive on instabili and export violent jihad. Iran, ance of power that favors U.S. interests. the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, has taken advantage of instability to expand its influ- ence through partners and proxies, weapon prolif- Priori Actions eration, and funding. It continues to develop more POLITICAL: We will strengthen partnerships, and capable ballistic missiles and intelligence capa- form new ones, to help advance security through bilities, and it undertakes malicious cyber activ- stability. Whenever possible, we will encourage ities. These activities have continued unabated gradual reforms. We will support e orts to counter since the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran continues to per- violent ideologies and increase respect for the dig- petuate the cycle of violence in the region, caus- ni of individuals. We remain commi ed to help- ing grievous harm to civilian populations. Rival ing our partners achieve a stable and prosperous states are filling vacuums created by state col- region, including through a strong and integrated lapse and prolonged regional conflict. Gulf Cooperation Council. We will strengthen our Despite these challenges, there are emerging long-term strategic partnership with Iraq as an opportunities to advance American interests in independent state. We will seek a se lement to the the Middle East. Some of our partners are working Syrian civil war that sets the conditions for refu- together to reject radical ideologies, and key lead- gees to return home and rebuild their lives in safe . ers are calling for a rejection of Islamist extrem- We will work with partners to deny the Iranian ism and violence. Encouraging regime all paths to a nuclear political stability and sustain- weapon and neutralize Iranian able prosperity would contrib- malign influence. We remain ute to dampening the conditions Terrorists and criminals committed to helping facilitate that fuel sectarian grievances. thrive where a comprehensive peace agree- ment that is acceptable to both For generations the con- governments are weak, Israelis and Palestinians. flict between Israel and the corruption is rampant, Palestinians has been under- ECONOMIC: The United States and faith in government stood as the prime irritant will support the reforms under- preventing peace and pros- institutions is low. way that begin to address core perity in the region. Today, inequities that jihadist terror- the threats from jihadist ter- ists exploit. We will encourage rorist organizations and the states in the region, including threat from Iran are creating the realization that Egypt and Saudi Arabia, to continue moderniz- Israel is not the cause of the region’s problems. ing their economies. We will play a role in catalyz- States have increasingly found common inter- ing positive developments by engaging economi- ests with Israel in confronting common threats. cally, supporting reformers, and championing the benefits of open markets and societies. Today, the United States has the opportunity to catalyze greater economic and political cooper- MILITARY AND SECURITY: We will retain the neces- ation that will expand prosperity for those who sary American military presence in the region to want to partner with us. By revitalizing partner- protect the United States and our allies from ter- ships with reform-minded nations and encour- rorist attacks and preserve a favorable regional

49 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

balance of power. We will assist regional part- Priori Actions ners in strengthening their institutions and POLITICAL: We will deepen our strategic partner- capabilities, including in law enforcement, to ship with India and support its leadership role conduct counterterrorism and counterinsur- in Indian Ocean security and throughout the gency efforts. We will help partners procure broader region. We will press Pakistan to inten- interoperable missile defense and other capa- sify its counterterrorism efforts, since no part- bilities to better defend against active missile nership can survive a country’s support for mil- threats. We will work with partners to neutral- itants and terrorists who target a partner’s own ize Iran’s malign activities in the region. service members and officials. The United States will also encourage Pakistan to continue demon- strating that it is a responsible steward of its South and Central Asia nuclear assets. We will continue to partner with With over a quarter of the world’s population, a Afghanistan to promote peace and securi in the fi fth of all U.S.-designated terrorist groups, several region. We will continue to promote anti-corrup- fast-growing economies, and two nuclear-armed tion reform in Afghanistan to increase the legit- states, South and Central Asia present some of the imacy of its government and reduce the appeal of most complicated national security challenges violent extremist organizations. We will help South and opportunities. The region spans the terrorist Asian nations maintain their sovereign as China threats emanating from the Middle East and the increases its influence in the region. competition for power unfolding in Europe and ECONOMIC: We will encourage the economic inte- the Indo-Pacific. The United States continues to gration of Central and South Asia to promote face threats from transnational terrorists and mili- prosperity and economic linkages that will bol- tants operating from within Pakistan. e prospect ster connectivity and trade. And we will encour- for an Indo-Pakistani military conflict that could age India to increase its economic assistance lead to a nuclear exchange remains a key concern in the region. In Pakistan, we will build trade requiring consistent diplomatic a ention. and investment ties as security improves and as U.S. interests in the region include countering ter- Pakistan demonstrates that it will assist the United rorist threats that impact the security of the U.S. States in our counterterrorism goals. homeland and our allies, preventing cross-border MILITARY AND SECURITY: We are committed to terrorism that raises the prospect of military and supporting the Afghan government and security nuclear tensions, and preventing nuclear weap- forces in their fi ght against the Taliban, al-Qa’ida, ons, technology, and materials from falling into ISIS, and other terrorists. We will bolster the the hands of terrorists. We seek an American pres- fighting strength of the Afghan security forces ence in the region proportionate to threats to the to convince the Taliban that they cannot win on homeland and our allies. We seek a Pakistan that is the battlefield and to set the conditions for diplo- not engaged in destabilizing behavior and a stable matic efforts to achieve enduring peace. We will and self-reliant Afghanistan. And we seek Central insist that Pakistan take decisive action against Asian states that are resilient against domination militant and terrorist groups operating from its by rival powers, are resistant to becoming jihad- soil. We will work with the Central Asian states ist safe havens, and prioritize reforms. to guarantee access to the region to support our counterterrorism efforts.

50 THE STRATEGY IN A REGIONAL CONTEXT

Western Hemisphere tions with key countries in the region. Together, we will build a stable and peaceful hemisphere Stable, friendly, and prosperous states in the that increases economic opportunities for all, Western Hemisphere enhance our security and improves governance, reduces the power of crim- benefit our economy. Democratic states con- inal organizations, and limits the malign influ- nected by shared values and economic interests ence of non-hemispheric forces. will reduce the violence, drug tra cking, and ille- gal immigration that threaten our common secu- rity, and will limit opportunities for adversar- Priori Actions ies to operate from areas of close proximity to us. POLITICAL: We will catalyze regional e orts to build securi and prosperi through strong diplomatic In the last half century, parts of this hemisphere engagement. We will isolate governments that were marred by dictatorships and insurgencies refuse to act as responsible partners in advancing that killed tens of thousands of people. Today, hemispheric peace and prosperi . We look forward this region stands on the cusp of prosperity and to the day when the people of Cuba and Venezuela peace, built upon democracy and the rule of law. can enjoy freedom and the benefi ts of shared pros- U.S. trade in the region is thriving and market perity, and we encourage other free states in the opportunities for American goods and services, hemisphere to support this shared endeavor. energy and infrastructure projects, and foreign direct investment continue to expand. ECONOMIC: We will modernize our trade agree- ments and deepen our economic ties with the Challenges remain, however. Transnational crim- region and ensure that trade is fair and reciprocal. inal organizations—including gangs and cartels— We will encourage further market-based economic perpetuate violence and corruption, and threaten reforms and encourage transparency to create con- the stability of Central American states includ- ditions for sustained prosperity. We will ensure ing Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. In the U.S. fi nancial system does not serve as a haven Venezuela and Cuba, governments cling to anach- or transit point for criminal proceeds. ronistic leftist authoritarian models that con- tinue to fail their people. Competitors have found MILITARY AND SECURITY: We will build upon local operating space in the hemisphere. efforts and encourage cultures of lawfulness to reduce crime and corruption, including by sup- China seeks to pull the region into its orbit through porting local efforts to professionalize police and state-led investments and loans. Russia contin- other security forces; strengthen the rule of law ues its failed politics of the Cold War by bolster- and undertake judicial reform; and improve infor- ing its radical Cuban allies as Cuba continues to mation sharing to target criminals and corrupt repress its citizens. Both China and Russia sup- leaders and disrupt illicit trafficking. port the dictatorship in Venezuela and are seek- ing to expand military linkages and arms sales across the region. The hemisphere’s democratic states have a shared interest in confronting threats to their sovereignty.

Canada and the United States share a unique strategic and defense partnership. The United States also has important and deepening rela-

51 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

Africa tices undermine Africa’s long-term development by corrupting elites, dominating extractive indus- Africa remains a continent of promise and endur- tries, and locking countries into unsustainable ing challenges. Africa contains many of the world’s and opaque debts and commitments. fastest growing economies, which represent poten- The United States seeks sovereign African states tial new markets for U.S. goods and services. that are integrated into the world economy, able Aspiring partners across the continent are eager to provide for their citizens’ needs, and capable of to build market-based economies and enhance sta- managing threats to peace and securi . Improved bili . e demand for quali American exports is governance in these states supports economic high and will likely grow as Africa’s population and development and opportunities, diminishes the prosperi increase. People across the continent are a raction of illegal migration, and reduces vulner- demanding government accountability and less abili to extremists, thereby reducing instabili . corruption, and are opposing autocratic trends. e number of stable African nations has grown since the independence era as numerous countries have Priori Actions emerged from devastating confl icts and undergone POLITICAL: The United States will partner with democratic transitions. governments, civil society, and regional organi- Despite this progress, many states face political zations to end long-running, violent conflicts. turbulence and instability that spills into other We will encourage reform, working with prom- regions. Corruption and weak governance threaten ising nations to promote effective governance, to undermine the political improve the rule of law, and benefits that should emerge develop institutions account- from new economic opportu- able and responsive to cit- nities. Many African states izens. We will continue to We will encourage reform, are battlegrounds for vio- respond to humanitarian lent extremism and jihad- working with promising nations needs while also working ist terrorists. ISIS, al-Qa’ida, to promote e ective governance, with commi ed governments and their affiliates oper- improve the rule of law, and and regional organizations ate on the continent and to address the root causes of develop institutions accountable have increased the lethal- human suffering. If neces- ity of their attacks, expanded and responsive to citizens. sary, we are prepared to sanc- into new areas, and targeted tion government officials U.S. citizens and interests. and institutions that prey African nations and regional on their citizens and com- organizations have demon- mit atrocities. When there is strated a commitment to confront the threat no alternative, we will suspend aid rather than from jihadist terrorist organizations, but their see it exploited by corrupt elites. security capabilities remain weak. ECONOMIC: We will expand trade and commercial China is expanding its economic and military ties to create jobs and build wealth for Americans presence in Africa, growing from a small inves- and Africans. We will work with reform-oriented tor in the continent two decades ago into Africa’s governments to help establish conditions that can largest trading partner today. Some Chinese prac- transform them into trading partners and improve

52 THE STRATEGY IN A REGIONAL CONTEXT

their business environment. We will support eco- nomic integration among African states. We will work with nations that seek to move beyond assis- tance to partnerships that promote prosperity. We will offer American goods and services, both because it is profi table for us and because it serves as an alternative to China’s often extractive eco- nomic footprint on the continent.

MILITARY AND SECURITY: We will continue to work with partners to improve the ability of their secu- rity services to counter terrorism, human traf- ficking, and the illegal trade in arms and natural resources. We will work with partners to defeat terrorist organizations and others who threaten U.S. citizens and the homeland.

53

C  

 is National Securi Strategy sets a positive strategic direction for the United States that is meant to reassert America’s advantages on the world stage and to build upon our country’s great strengths. During the Trump Administration, the American people can be confi dent that their securi and prosperi will always come fi rst. A secure, prosperous, and free America will be strong and ready to lead abroad to protect our interests and our way of life.

merica’s renewed strategic confidence ing American principles spreads peace and is anchored in our recommitment to prosperity around the globe. We are guided Athe principles inscribed in our found- by our values and disciplined by our interests. ing documents. The National Security Strategy is Administration has a bright vision of America’s celebrates and protects what we hold dear— future. America’s values and influence, under- individual liberty, the rule of law, a democratic wri en by American power, make the world more system of government, tolerance, and opportuni free, secure, and prosperous. for all. By knowing ourselves and what we stand for, we clari what we must defend and we estab- Our Nation derives its strength from the American lish guiding principles for our actions. people. Every American has a role to play in this grand, national effort to implement this America This strategy is guided by principled real- First National Securi Strategy. Together, our task ism. It is realist because it acknowledges the is to strengthen our families, to build up our com- central role of power in international poli- munities, to serve our citizens, and to celebrate tics, affirms that sovereign states are the best American greatness as a shining example to the hope for a peaceful world, and clearly defines world. We will leave our children and grandchil- our national interests. It is principled because dren a Nation that is stronger, be er, freer, prouder, it is grounded in the knowledge that advanc- and greater than ever before.

55 NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

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