How to Read the New National Security Strategy Document |
Photograph by Nathaniel St. Clair
The New US National Security Strategy (NSS) has been released. This is a critically important document prepared by every administration that sets out the United States’ national security priorities, along with a formulation of the strategy and policies it proposes to address these concerns.
As would be expected with such a high stakes document, there are already many interpretations of it.
Here are some suggestions on how to read it.
1. First of all, read it. Avoid simplistic, partial, and hot take interpretations on the web and read it–the whole thing–for yourself. It’s a relatively short read: 33 pages.
2. Remember that there are two versions of the NSS: a public-facing (propaganda/PR) document and a classified version mandated by law. The public-facing document has been redacted, the tone modulated/adjusted, its........