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

Chair, American Security

Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg

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

James Carafano

Senior Fellow, American Security

Anna Hardage

Senior Fellow, American Security

John R. Thomas, Jr.

Senior Fellow, American Security

Latest

Expert Insights | February 26, 2026

Northern Lights Flashing: The Case for U.S. Security Governance of Greenland

The U.S. is in desperate need of an Arctic security strategy, and the media noise over the details of a Greenland “annexation” is disingenuous to the real security concerns facing not only the U.S. but also the wider Western Hemisphere and the transatlantic relationship. Greenland is more than an island of ice, polar winds, and rocks; it is a vital link in Arctic security for friends and foes alike. Security governance for Greenland—particularly that which is planned, overseen, and implemented by the U.S.—is integral to American missile radar awareness, the defense of the North Atlantic, and the holding of the line for the Western Hemisphere. Securing Greenland, in other words, is the first step toward blocking our adversaries’ ambitions in our northern neighborhood, parallel to the U.S. focus to the south.

Commentary | February 25, 2026

American Arms Sales Can Support the American Worker

Executive Order 14383, signed into law on February 6, 2025, establishes the first-ever America First Arms Transfer Strategy, signifying a fundamental shift in how the United States manages arms sales. For decades, arms sales were primarily seen as a tool for security assistance or diplomatic leverage.

Op-Ed | February 22, 2026

The Truth About Mexico’s Cartel Wars

To understand the latest disturbing spasm of violence in Mexico, it helps to go back six years to an ultra-wealthy colonia called Lomas de Chapultepec, near the heart of Mexico City.

Commentary | February 21, 2026

Regime Choke Before Regime Change: A New Iran Strategy

It appears increasingly likely that the United States will begin a military campaign against the Iranian regime, with diplomatic talks at an impasse. What remains unknown is the objective of the Trump administration’s military actions, their scope, their targets, and their duration.

Op-Ed | February 17, 2026

How to Lead on Iran Through the America First Playbook

Most Americans can feel it: the world is on edge. Things are moving fast, and actions carry real consequences. This is one of those moments when leadership matters — not flashy speeches or empty promises, but steady hands and clear judgment. That’s what people expect from a president, and it’s what President Donald Trump has shown he understands.