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

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

Morgan Murphy

Senior Fellow, Center for American Security

Ethan Tan

Policy Analyst

Royce Hood

Policy Analyst, China Policy Initiative

Latest

Op-Ed | May 19, 2025

The U.S. Must Get Europe to Pressure Iran, Too

As U.S.-Iran nuclear talks progress, there is a parallel negotiation that deserves serious consideration, especially when planning for a post-nuclear Iran. It’s not just about the deal on the table; it’s about ensuring that it is enforced.

Op-Ed | May 9, 2025

To Stop Iran, Focus on Jordan and the West Bank

President Donald Trump has initiated a long overdue reversal of US policy toward Iran’s support for terrorist organizations in the Middle East. He has voiced unconditional support for Israel’s fight against Hamas in Gaza and authorized US military operations against the Houthis in Yemen.

Issue Brief | April 28, 2025

The Middle East in 2025: Options for the New Administration

In the first three months of the Trump-Vance Administration, U.S. engagement in the Middle East has already made formidable strides on the path towards enduring stability and peace in the region.

Op-Ed | April 25, 2025

Trump’s Bold Diplomacy on the Ukraine War and Iranian Nuclear Program

There was a lot of movement this week on two intractable global security problems when the Trump Administration put forward proposals that defied the foreign policy establishment to end the war in Ukraine and halt Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. There were predictable condemnations of Trump’s proposals from parties to these disputes, European leaders, foreign policy experts, and the mainstream media. However, Trump officials made clear that they will not agree to endless negotiations on these disputes and are prepared to walk away if the president’s proposals are rejected.

Op-Ed | April 25, 2025

Four steps Trump can take during his Middle East visit to contain Iran

The White House this week announced that President Donald Trump’s first overseas trip of his second term will take him to the Middle East, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.