The 2015 National Security Strategy: Authorities, Changes, Issues for Congress
Abstract
The Obama Administration released a new National Security Strategy (NSS) on February 6,2015. It was the second NSS document to be published by the Administration; the first waspublished in May 2010. The 2015 document states that its purpose is to set out the principles andpriorities to guide the use of American power and influence in the world. The NSS is acongressionally mandated document, originating in the Goldwater-Nichols Department ofDefense Reorganization Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-433, 603/50 U.S.C 3043).The 2015 NSS emphasizes the role of U.S. leadership; the words lead, leader, leading, andleadership appear 94 times in the context of the U.S. role in the world. It also acknowledgesnational limitations and calls for strategic patience and persistence.The 2015 report retains much of the underlying thought of the 2010 version. However, itsemphasis appears to shift away from the U.S. role in the world being largely a catalyst for actionby international institutions to one that reflects more involved leadership both inside thoseinstitutions and between nations, both bilaterally and through facilitating cooperation betweennations.It also takes a tougher line with both China and with Russia, while emphasizing the desirabilityfor cooperation with both.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1170134
Entities
People
- Kathleen J. McInnis
- Nathan J. Lucas
Organizations
- Library of Congress