The Pat Kenny Show The US’ new national security strategy that’s worrying allies
Dec 8, 2025
David Dunne, a Professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham, dives into the unsettling implications of the US' new national security strategy. He critiques its tone as racially biased and reflects on the ethno-nationalist influences behind it. Dunne argues that the issues extend beyond Trump, citing systemic problems and weakened institutional checks. He also discusses Europe's reliance on US leadership, highlighting their dismay at the strategy's narrow focus, which could have long-term ramifications for international relations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shift From Cooperative To Transactional Strategy
- The new US National Security Strategy rejects the post-1941 cooperative US role with allies and prioritises a narrow, transactional view.
- It frames Europe in civilisational terms and treats migration as an existential threat rather than a shared policy challenge.
Hard-Right Advisors Shaping Policy
- Senior advisers like J.D. Vance and Stephen Miller shaped the document, injecting ethno-nationalist themes and Great Replacement ideas.
- The strategy promotes migration control and racialised policies under the guise of national security.
Racial Rhetoric Drives Immigration Aims
- David Dunne argues Trump has grown more overtly racist and that racial purity rhetoric informs immigration aims like mass removals.
- He links current rhetoric to historical fascist-era language and contemporary ethnonationalism.