In his speech at the Defense Forum. Ronald Reagan's Pentagon chief called for a break with the post-Cold War consensus in foreign policy and condemned “decades of 'utopian idealism' pursued by policymakers, presidents and generals.” He emphasized that the era of building democracy, military interventionism and “inept nation-building” was over.
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What did the head of the Pentagon say about Poland?
What changes in foreign policy does Hegseth propose?
Which countries have been praised for increasing their defense spending?
What does Hegseth think about relations with China?
— America will no longer be distracted by democracy-building, interventionism, indefinite wars, regime changes, climate change and moralizing, said the Pentagon chief. He added that the US would focus only on “practical, concrete interests.”
The head of the War Department referred to US military operations in the Caribbean, where over 20 drug boats were sunk and about 80 people died. He defended the controversial second attack on survivors.
“If you bring drugs into this country by boat, we will find you and sink you,” he warned. He also announced greater military involvement on the border with Mexico, including plans to train units to defend the land, sea and air border.
The head of the Pentagon praises Poland. He presented Warsaw as a model
Hegseth also signaled a softer approach towards China. He explained that the administration seeks “stable peace, fair trade and respectful relationships” and “respects the historic military build-up they are undertaking.” The Pentagon maintains a “sober understanding” of Beijing's rapid expansion.
The head of the Pentagon also referred to the revision of burdens within alliances. He praised countries that have increased defense spending — naming South Korea, Germany and especially Poland. He presented Warsaw's increased military investments as a model of responsible burden sharing, encouraged by President Donald Trump.
—Allies are not children. We can and should expect them to do what they have to do, he said.
He stressed that U.S. attention will prioritize the homeland and the Western Hemisphere, and threats in other regions should be addressed by their people. He rejected interference in the allies' internal policy, favoring focusing on national interests. He reiterated that American combat power would be concentrated “in our own neighborhood.”
Hegseth pointed to the need to rebuild and “strengthen the American defense industrial base.” He recalled new investments for the Navy, drones, air defense systems and projects such as the Golden Dome initiative – the US air and missile defense program formally established in January. They are included in the defense budget worth USD 1 trillion, increased by USD 150 billion. by the US Congress.
The Politico website emphasized that Hegseth presented a worldview based on spheres of influence. He pointed out that the major powers dominate their regions – China in the Pacific, the US in the Western Hemisphere and Europe. He mentioned Russia casually.
