The Decibel Unpacking the U.S. strategy to control the Western hemisphere
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Jan 7, 2026 Vincent Rigby, a McGill University professor and former national security adviser, delves into the complexities of U.S. national security strategy. He discusses Trump's 'America First' approach and its pivot from values to economic interests. Rigby emphasizes the Western Hemisphere as a priority, particularly regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela, which he argues are rooted in resource control. He warns Canada to bolster its sovereignty and strategic autonomy amid U.S. assertiveness, especially concerning Arctic vulnerabilities.
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America First Is Front And Center
- The Trump national security strategy centers on an explicit 'America First' foreign policy focused on economic interests.
- Vincent Rigby says it replaces value-driven missions with a bold, public prioritization of US prosperity and jobs.
Flexible Realism Replaces Ideological Crusades
- The strategy adopts 'flexible realism' meaning Washington will work with non-like-minded regimes when it suits economic or strategic interests.
- Rigby notes this downplays ideological confrontation, treating China and Russia as partners to manage rather than pure adversaries.
The Western Hemisphere Is Priority One
- The Western Hemisphere is the strategy's top regional priority, echoing a modernized Monroe Doctrine.
- Rigby says the US wants other powers out of the region and expects local states to 'toe the line' on migration, drugs, and strategic assets.