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, Senior Policy Officer and Director, 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

Deputy Director, American Security

John R. Thomas, Jr.

Senior Fellow, American Security

Latest

News Release | July 6, 2026

AFPI Releases Expert Insight on How Foreign Military Sales Can Strengthen U.S. Security and America’s Industrial Base

Expert Insights | July 6, 2026

From Weapons to Wages: How Foreign Military Sales Create U.S. Jobs

Decades of offshoring of manufacturing jobs have hollowed out the American industrial base, including the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), leaving America’s ability to secure its interests in a degraded state. Between 2000 and 2016, the United States lost nearly five million manufacturing jobs, leaving entire communities deprived of the durable, high-wage work that once anchored them and which formed so much of American life until recent decades.

Op-Ed | July 4, 2026

America 250: Renewing Our Commitment to Those Who Serve

Issue Brief | July 3, 2026

The Veterans First Agenda: Expanding Access and Improving Care for America’s Heroes

The America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) Veterans First Agenda is foundational to the America First Warfighters’ work to keep America’s promise to the brave men and women who have worn the uniform, completed their service, and returned to civilian life. Crafted by policy experts with deep experience in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Department of War, the Veterans First Agenda will advance the interests of veterans and their families.

News Release | July 2, 2026