Center for 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 Center for 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 Center 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

Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg

FORMER: Co-Chair, Center for American Security

The Honorable Robert Wilkie

Co-Chair, Center for American Security

The Honorable Fred Fleitz

Vice Chair, Center for American Security

Jacob Olidort, Ph.D.

Director, Center for American Security

Adam Savit

Director, China Policy Initiative

Gloria McDonald

FORMER: Senior Policy Analyst, Center for American Security

Ken Timmerman

Senior Fellow, Center for American Security

Ethan Tan

Policy Analyst

Royce Hood

Policy Analyst, China Policy Initiative

Latest

Fact Sheet | July 21, 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Makes Historic Investments in Border Security and Immigration Enforcement

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) unlocks billions of dollars to accelerate border security and enhance immigration enforcement operations.

Op-Ed | July 20, 2025

Israel Just Had Its Cold War Moment — and Came Out on Top

Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, alongside the U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, has eliminated the threat of a nuclear Iran. Just weeks ago, the threat of nuclear weapons in Iran loomed large and seemed inevitable. The world is now unquestionably safer.

Op-Ed | July 18, 2025

On Ukraine War, Trump Proves His Foreign Policy Is Pragmatic and That Adversaries Who Defy Him Will Face Consequences

President Trump’s announcement that he will send weapons to Ukraine through NATO and his pledge to impose crippling energy sanctions against Russia in 50 days if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a cease-fire in the Ukraine War led to the usual mocking criticism of Trump by the mainstream media.

Issue Brief | July 17, 2025

America’s Road to—and out of—Damascus A New Chapter for U.S.-Syria Relations

On May 14, 2025, President Donald J. Trump made history by meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new interim leader of Syria, and announcing the lifting of sanctions on Syria. The meeting with Sharaa, which took place in Saudi Arabia as part of the president’s first planned official overseas visit of his second term, came at the request of the Crown Prince and the President of Turkey.

Statement | June 21, 2025

AFPI Supports President Trump’s Action Against Iran

President Trump has been consistent since long before his election that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon as a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a direct and considerable threat to the United States, Israel and the world.