In his Saturday speech at the Ronald Reagan Defense Forum, the Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth called for a break with the post-Cold War foreign policy consensus and condemned "decades of 'utopian idealism' pursued by policymakers, presidents, and generals." As he emphasized - the era of democracy-building, military interventionism, and "incompetent nation-building" had ended.
"America will no longer be distracted by democracy-building, interventionism, indefinite wars, regime change, climate change, and moralizing" - the Secretary of War said. He added that the US would now focus solely on "practical, concrete interests".
The American DOD chief also referred to US military operations in the Caribbean, where more than 20 supposedly-drug-smuggling boats were sunk and approximately 80 people died. He defended the controversial second attack on the survivors - widely commented on by human rights organizations as a criminal act.
“If you bring drugs into this country by boat, we will find you and sink you” - Heghseth warned. He also announced greater military engagement on the Mexican border, including plans to train units to defend the land, sea, and air borders.
The US Defense Secretary also signaled a softer approach to China. He explained that the administration strives for “stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations” and “respects the historic military buildup they are undertaking”, maintaining a “sober understanding” of Beijing’s rapid expansion.
The Pentagon chief also addressed the review of burdens within alliances. He praised countries that have increased defense spending - specifically South Korea, Germany, and Poland. He presented Warsaw’s increased military investment as a model for responsible burden-sharing, encouraged by President Donald Trump. “Allies are not children. We can and should expect them to do their part” - Hegseth emphasized.
The US Department of Defense head pointed out that from now on the United States would prioritize its homeland and the Western Hemisphere, and that threats in other regions should be addressed by their people. He rejected interference in the domestic politics of allies, advocating a focus on national interests. He reiterated that American combat power would be concentrated "in our own neighborhood".
Finally, Hegseth underlined the need to rebuild and "strengthen the American defense industrial base". He cited new investments in the navy, drones, air defense systems, and projects such as the Golden Dome Initiative - the US air and missile defense program formally established in January. These are included in the $1 trillion defense budget, increased by $150 billion by the US Congress.
Commenting on the speech, Politico pointed out that Hegseth revealed an administration moving toward a policy that recognizes zones of influence led by great powers - China in the Pacific, the U.S. in the Western Hemisphere and Europe broadly, although he made only a passing reference to Russia.
(mm)
Source: PAP, IAR, Politico