I agree with @Madeline Smith that this document is pretty similar and on par with other documents that we have already read. However, a couple things that were quite interesting to me was the fact that they stated how the United States is declining as the top world power when it comes to economics and such. This is something that I feel we have been hearing as well as learning about in school for awhile. There have been many projections that China would rise to the top and so I find it interesting that it is happening and they are acknowledging it. Another thing that I found interesting as well as a little frightening is that authoritarianism is rising while democracy is declining. That would change the whole world dynamic as well as cause more wars, in my opinion. So it will be interesting to see if the United State’’s tactic of having a free, fair and open economy, strong education system and their innovation will work for rising back to the top as well as achieving everything they state in this document.

What really caught my eye in this document is the section on space, since the space force is in the process of building, I find It interesting to see the different priorities that are made for it. I think that everyone should take a look at what is being prioritized in general and make assessments about whether they are necessary or not. As well as the challengers that are pointed out. The way pillar three organized, seems to be focused on defense against those three challengers being Russia, Iran, North Korea and terrorist groups. While those are the main countries and organizations of concern, it would be interesting to also see it targeted towards lesser of concern countries.

Looking at the second section of the National Security Strategy, it was very interesting to see the economic strategies that were put into place. I was especially interested in the section on reducing the national debt. Looking at the national debt clock, the United States is up to 26 billion. Looking at that, it has increased instead of being reduced. So I am not sure if the strategy for that has been beneficial. I was also intrigued by the trade plans, especially since we have seen multiple trade deals throughout this administration be terminated. However, the President has stayed true to his plan of terminating unfair trade deals. This second pillar seems to have a good basis and plan for the economy, which we know goes hand in hand with national security.

The National Security Strategy lays out the goals and processes used to protect the nation from many different types of threats. One thing I found very interesting is the section about protecting against bio threats and pandemics. Since we are currently living in a pandemic. In that section, the President lays out how they would work with other countries to protect and prevent the spread of a natural outbreak. As we can see, that did not necessarily work. There is also a huge emphasis on fighting terrorism in all its form, something that has been happening since 9/11/2001. In addition, the strategy truly encourages Americans to be strong, resilient and proud of the homeland. This parallels the President’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again”. I think it will be quite interesting once President Trump’s presidency is over to look back and see how much was accomplished and if anything has changed.