Pentagon strategy leaks: Echoes of heritage foundation vision
Part of a secret Pentagon document concerning the U.S. defence strategy turned out to be a copy of an analysis by the Heritage Foundation. "The Washington Post" reveals the details.
What do you need to know?
- Pentagon document: A secret document, sent out to employees by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, contains excerpts from an analysis by the Heritage Foundation, published in August 2024.
- U.S. strategy: The priority is the Indo-Pacific region, and the strategy includes urging allies in Europe and Asia to increase military spending.
- Document criticism: The National Security Commission in Congress criticized the document for a lack of clarity and contradictions.
What are the priorities of the U.S. defence strategy?
According to "The Washington Post," the secret Pentagon document redefines threats to U.S. security, identifying the Indo-Pacific region as a priority. The strategy involves urging allies in Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East to boost their military expenditures. The goal is to deter Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The document also emphasizes the need to strengthen bases in the Indo-Pacific region and invest in submarines and bunker-buster bombs.
Why is the Pentagon document controversial?
Members of the National Security Commission in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, criticized the document for a lack of clarity. One Commission member, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the document is full of contradictions, making it difficult to build a coherent strategy. They added that there is no consistency, so it will be difficult to build a strategy around this.
What are the Pentagon's further plans?
The Pentagon plans to increase involvement in protecting U.S. borders and combating terrorism, which was previously under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, plans include improving U.S. air defence, in line with Donald Trump's announcements to create a "golden dome" similar to Israel's "Iron Dome." The document was presented to the National Security Commission, which expressed concerns about its content.
Is the U.S. defence strategy aligned with the vision of the Heritage Foundation?
An analysis by "The Washington Post" indicates that part of the disclosed Pentagon document is a copy of material prepared by the Heritage Foundation. This vision aligns with Donald Trump's foreign policy, known as Project 2025. The Heritage Foundation, as a conservative think tank, plays a key role in shaping the foreign policy strategy of the Republicans. The Pentagon document, although classified as "secret/not for foreign governments," contains elements previously published by this think tank.
