National Security Strategy
16 Articles
![Close-up of several metal handguns laid side by side on a table, their barrels and triggers visible in tight rows, representing some of the thousands of weapons seized by the Mexican Army from drug traffickers in northern Mexico in January 2017. Gun reads: "U.S.A. [...] Springfield, Mass."](https://i0.wp.com/www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GettyImages-631911044.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Firearms Trafficking Comes to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Recent Advisory Opinion
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights' recent advisory opinion addresses the obligations of States and private actors to prevent and combat illicit trafficking of firearms.
The Shield of the Americas Is the Trump Corollary’s Military Edge
The Shield of the Americas operationalizes the 2025 National Security Strategy, creating serious consequences for sovereignty, civil-military relations, and democratic governance.
Forced Labor Fuels Unfair Trade: The U.S. Interest in Ending Abuses Against Uyghurs
Forced labor in China undermines American security and values. Strong U.S. enforcement of trade laws and supply chain standards can defend human rights and competitiveness.
Pivoting to Prevention: How the Biden Administration Can Accelerate Implementation of the Atrocity Prevention Agenda
The U.S. can more effectively anticipate and halt atrocities worldwide through prioritizing atrocity prevention and leveraging tools.
Friends Don’t Let Friends Succumb to Climate Change: Competing With China by Helping Our Partners and Allies Adapt
In the Indo-Pacific, climate funding can help combat China's influence - boosting allies' climate resilience and U.S. national security.
A Values-based Approach to Foreign Policy? Lessons for the Biden Administration
Integrating human security into U.S. military planning would give substance to the idea of a values-based approach to foreign policy.
Toward a Values-Based Foreign Policy: Developing an Ethical Checklist
The Biden administration can do more to develop and implement a “values-based” approach to foreign policy.
Why the US Still Can’t Have It All: Biden’s National Security Strategy
The administration risks leaving the US overcommitted and overextended during a period of substantial shifts in the global balance of power.
The Last Days in Afghanistan Should Not Deter Biden from Looking Beyond the 9/11 Paradigm
It's time to get off this loop. But ending “endless wars” should not be equated with simplistic solutions.
Restraint and Values in American Strategy
The necessary post-Afghanistan debate is heating up, and it should be informed by history’s lessons and enduring American values.
Biden Needs a Foreign Policy Focused on Sustainable Peace
War and weapons cannot solve today’s most urgent challenges. They require peacebuilding, diplomacy, and conflict-sensitive development.
Women, Peace, and Security: Is DOD Turning a Human Rights Corner?
The push to protect women and girls in conflict and involve women in security decision-making increases attention to human rights in military operations.