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

Podcast | April 9, 2026

Sweden Warns: Europe Must Step Up Or Lose Everything with Robert Wilkie and Pal Jonson

Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie talks with Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson about how Sweden moved from being a non-aligned country to becoming one of NATO’s most active and important members.

Statement | April 7, 2026

America First Policy Institute Responds to Operation Epic Fury Ceasefire

The two-week ceasefire demonstrates the 'peace through strength' approach that defines America First foreign policy.

Op-Ed | April 3, 2026

President Trump Lays Out His Iran War Endgame

Somehow, I received an invitation to the White House to watch President Trump’s prime-time address to the nation on Wednesday evening, where he laid out his endgame strategy for the Iran War. In addition to observing the strong camaraderie between Trump’s cabinet members, I saw the president in great form, confidently articulating the war’s goals and achievements and how he is keeping his promise to the American people to end this conflict in a few weeks so it does not become a quagmire or an endless war.

Op-Ed | March 27, 2026

European Leaders Now Know Trump Was Right: Iran Was an Imminent Global Threat

Iran’s failed strike on Diego Garcia exposed the truth: Tehran’s long-range ambitions were real all along—and Europe ignored the warning until it was too late.

Expert Insights | March 18, 2026

Sexual Abuse & Human Smuggling: Ensuring the Punishment Fits the Severity of the Crime

The United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) is responsible for establishing the federal sentencing guidelines that inform judges what the appropriate sentence should be for a defendant. A base offense level is assigned, which is a number based on the crimes the defendant was convicted of.