Realism First? Realist and Liberal Logics in the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy
Realism First? Realist and Liberal Logics in the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy

Summary/Abstract: The United States National Security Strategy (NSS), published in November 2025, outlines the US assessment of the international security environment and its strategic priorities. This article analyzes how realist and liberal theories are reflected in the document. Using qualitative document analysis, the NSS is viewed as a political text carrying assumptions about power, sovereignty, cooperation and norms. Realism and liberalism are applied across four analytical categories: (1) threat perception, (2) the role of the state and sovereignty, (3) cooperation and institutions and (4) norms and values. The findings indicate that these theoretical logics are used hierarchically rather than symmetrically. Realist assumptions about power, strategic competition and national interest are the foundation of the NSS, while liberal elements such as cooperation, institutions and norms are employed instrumentally. Overall, the strategy reflects a realist orientation with selectively applied liberal elements.

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