American Security

Policy Priorities

Maintain the America First Tradition in the National Security Profession
Bolster America's Economic Might
Expand America's Unrivaled Military Strength
End Endless Wars and Make Foreign Commitments Strategic
Secure the Southern Border
Eliminate Global Terrorists Who Threaten to Harm Americans

The twin American victories in the Second World War and the Cold War established our country as “the last, best hope for man on Earth.” Freedom’s cause in every part of the globe depends upon a strong America. With our country secure, we can, with greater confidence, advance American security abroad. American security is exemplified by a strong military, fair trade deals, alliances that are equitable, aggressors who are isolated, and those who harm us, destroyed. The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) examines American security abroad as a prerequisite for peace at home: always putting American interests first. This includes removing ourselves from endless, unnecessary wars in order to rebuild the homeland, while also understanding our indispensable role in maintaining a world at peace.

The America First Policy Institute’s American Security champions Americans rather than a theoretical “America” imagined by the Washington national security establishment. The exercise of American power requires clear justification, and an America First approach ensures that American power is used in the interest of Americans. To advance that goal, the American Security looks to ensure that there will be rigorous advancement of policies which will serve as an authentically American alternative to Washington’s increasingly obsolescent foreign and defense policy orthodoxy.

The phrase America First refers to an approach rooted in an awareness of America’s unique role in the world, and its unmatched ability to do best for others when its people are strong, safe, and prosperous. It means that any commitments of American lives or dollars abroad must come with concrete benefits to the American people. Every investment of American resources needs to reap a substantial security benefit.

Team

The Honorable Robert Wilkie

Co-Chair, American Security

The Honorable Fred Fleitz

Vice Chair, American Security

Jacob Olidort, Ph.D.

Chief Research Officer & Director of American Security

Ethan Tan

Policy Analyst, American Security

Ryan Nanartowicz

Policy Analyst, American Security

Benjamin Woolsey

Policy Analyst, American Security

Anna Hardage

Senior Fellow, American Security

Latest

Commentary | January 14, 2026

U.S. Action in Iran Should Prevent Regime’s Return

Earlier this week, President Trump was reportedly briefed on the suite of responses to the Iranian regime crackdown on protesters, and on January 12 posted on Truth Social that “help is on its way.” He has called off meetings with regime officials seeking a negotiated approach, announced 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran, as the State Department instructed Americans to leave the country. Although Iran has faced waves of demonstrations over the years, the current one could determine the regime’s fate.

Op-Ed | January 10, 2026

Support Peaceful Protesters In and Out of Iran

The historic U.S. mission to extradite Venezuela’s now-former dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife to United States further isolates one of its primary patrons, the Iranian regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that among the goals of the military operation is preventing Venezuela from “cozy[ing] up to Hezbollah and Iran in our own hemisphere.”

Op-Ed | January 9, 2026

The Capture of Maduro and Avoiding Another Iraq Nation-Building Debacle

The massive US military operation ordered by President Trump to apprehend former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife from their heavily guarded residence was a game-changer for regional and global security. The Trump administration’s next steps will be crucial to ending the threats from Maduro’s criminal regime without repeating the disastrous nation-building effort in Iraq after the second Gulf War.

Issue Brief | January 7, 2026

Africa in Focus: Options for the New Administration

In the first year of the Trump-Vance Administration, U.S. engagement in Africa has made headway in the fight against terrorism and on the path towards increased partnerships on the continent. Amongst these wins were strikes to eliminate the threats from Houthis in the Red Sea, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorists in Nigeria, and al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.

Op-Ed | December 23, 2025

Christmas 2025 in Bethlehem: Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Brings Hope

After several terrible years, the tourism-dependent town of Bethlehem, the West Bank town where Jesus was born, is lit up with Christmas lights for the first time in two years, thanks to the peace and stability brought by President Donald Trump's Mideast peace efforts.