Pantagon Endorses National Security Strategy, Prioritizes Deterring Wars

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a major defense forum in California to defend the newly released National Security Strategy (NSS), emphasizing a shift toward hard power and away from democracy promotion, nation-building, and climate or social priorities. He stated that the military would focus on protecting U.S. interests, deterring war, and defending the homeland, with peace being framed as the ultimate goal.

A central pillar of the strategy is a renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere, reviving the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine. The NSS calls for restoring U.S. military dominance in the Americas to block adversaries from gaining footholds near U.S. territory. While senior military leaders are still assessing the practical implications, it could involve deploying more combat forces into the region.

Although the strategy shifts attention back toward the Americas, it still identifies China as a central challenge and stresses the importance of deterring conflict over Taiwan by building up a military capable of “denying aggression” within the First Island Chain. The document calls for stronger allied burden-sharing, a revitalized U.S. defense industrial base, and expanded military-to-military communication with China. It also signals a harder line toward Europe, warning of cultural and political decline and suggesting limits on further NATO expansion.

The strategy has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers in both parties. Some Republicans warned it sends damaging signals to NATO and undercuts European allies, while Democrats called it the most values-free national security doctrine in decades. Critics argued the NSS prioritizes raw power over democratic principles and risks weakening long-standing alliances without adequate consultation with Congress or partner nations.

Reference Sources

1. Politico - Hegseth declares end of US 'utopian idealism' with new military strategy
2. Breaking Defence - Hegseth endorses National Security Strategy, outlines military priorities focused on the West

EU Research Spending Reaches Record €403 billion, Belgium Sees Biggest Increase

Research and Development (R&D) expenditure in the European Union (EU) increased to an estimated €403.1 billion in 2024, a 3.6% increase compared to 2023, according to Eurostat. Nineteen EU countries saw growth in R&D intensity over these ten years, with the largest increases seen in Belgium (up 1 percentage point), Greece (up 0.7 percentage points), and Estonia and Croatia (both up 0.6 percentage points).

R&D intensity equal to or above 3% - the target set by the European Council - was registered in six EU countries in 2024: Sweden (3.6%), Belgium (3.4%), Austria (3.3%), Finland (3.2%), Germany (3.1%), and Denmark (3.0%). Seven EU countries reported R&D intensity at or below 1%.

The business enterprise sector accounted for 66.5% of all EU R&D spending in 2024, equalling €268.1 billion. Higher education institutions contributed €86.1 billion (21.4%), followed by the government sector at €43.5 billion (10.8%), and the private non-profit sector at €5.4 billion (1.3%). Overall R&D expenditure in the EU has risen by 62.2% since 2014, according to Eurostat.

Reference Sources

1. brusselstimes - EU research spending reaches record €403 billion, Belgium sees significant increase

EU Probes Meta over AI access, Competition Concerns in WhatsApp Policy

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into whether Meta's new policy restricting artificial intelligence providers from accessing WhatsApp may violate EU competition rules.

Meta, which owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, has announced it would prohibit most AI providers from using its WhatsApp Business solution tool if AI is the main service offered.

This tool allows businesses to communicate directly with customers via WhatsApp.

Under the new policy, businesses may still integrate AI for secondary functions, such as automated customer support, but external AI assistants offering their core services through WhatsApp would be blocked.

Meta’s own conversational agent, Meta AI, would still be available to WhatsApp users. For existing AI providers on WhatsApp, the ban will take effect from 15 January 2026, while new providers have already faced these restrictions since 15 October 2025, the Commission said.

The formal antitrust investigation covers countries in the European economic area — all member states except Italy, where the National competition authority is conducting its own inquiry. The case centres on whether Meta is abusing a dominant market position.

Under EU law, such practices are not permitted if they prevent fair competition or restrict trade within the single market, the Commission noted.

Reference Sources

1. brusselstimes - EU probes Meta over AI access, competition concerns in WhatsApp policy

The CommonWealth English daily news digest is a service curated by CommonWealth English team with the help of AI tools.  

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