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

Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg

FORMER: Co-Chair, Center for American Security

The Honorable Robert Wilkie

Co-Chair, American Security

The Honorable Fred Fleitz

Vice Chair, American Security

Jacob Olidort, Ph.D.

Director, American Security

Adam Savit

Director, China Policy Initiative

Gloria McDonald

FORMER: Senior Policy Analyst, Center for American Security

Ken Timmerman

Senior Fellow, American Security

Ethan Tan

Policy Analyst

Royce Hood

Policy Analyst, China Policy Initiative

Ryan Nanartowicz

Policy Analyst, American Security

Benjamin Woolsey

Policy Analyst, Center for American Security

Latest

Op-Ed | September 5, 2025

America First and Dealing With a Recalcitrant Putin

It has now been three weeks since the historic Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, where the two leaders met to discuss how to end the horrific war in Ukraine. President Trump has extended to Putin hospitality, patience, and incredibly generous terms to provide him with an off-ramp to end the war and Russia’s isolation. Despite Trump’s peacemaking efforts, Putin has not only spurned him and continued the war but also attended a showy summit convened by Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Putin expressed his defiance of U.S. peace efforts and flaunted a closer relationship with China and North Korea.

Commentary | August 27, 2025

Gazans Need Trump’s Solutions, Not France’s Statehood Theatrics

France hopes that by recognizing a Palestinian state the plight of the Gazan people will evaporate. It will in fact get worse, and that is because this act of diplomatic virtue signaling will be a reward to the culprit for their suffering: Hamas.

Op-Ed | August 22, 2025

Trump Makes Major Progress in Uphill Battle for Peace in Ukraine

President Trump’s progress in efforts to end the Ukraine war made last week the most important of his second term so far. Trump initiated a previously nonexistent peace process, compelling both sides to consider difficult compromises and unifying Europe behind him.

Op-Ed | August 22, 2025

A Palestinian State Can’t Be Iran’s Trojan Horse

In 2006, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wrote that Iran’s leaders needed to decide whether they represent “a cause or a nation.” That remains the case today, and the future of Palestinian statehood depends on whether the Islamic Republic foregoes it as an objective of its foreign policy.

Op-Ed | August 15, 2025