Geopolitics – US Proposes “Greater North America” Security Framework Under Trump

Geopolitics – The United States has introduced a fresh approach to regional security, with War Secretary Pete Hegseth outlining what he called the “Greater North America” strategy. The announcement, made during a defence conference in Florida, signals a shift in how Washington defines its immediate geopolitical priorities under President Donald Trump’s leadership.

Redefining the Hemisphere’s Security Boundaries

Speaking at the US Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Hegseth described the plan as a broad rethinking of regional defence. He explained that the United States now views all countries and territories north of the equator as part of a shared security zone.

According to him, this expanded perimeter stretches from Greenland down to Ecuador and spans from Alaska across to Guyana. Rather than categorising these nations as part of the Global South, the administration considers them integral to a closely connected security environment.

Hegseth stressed that geography plays a central role in this perspective. He pointed to natural features such as the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains as key dividing lines that shape strategic responsibilities between northern and southern regions.

Strengthening Military Presence in the North

A major component of the strategy involves increasing the US military’s presence across the northern hemisphere. Hegseth said Washington plans to work closely with regional partners to reinforce defence capabilities and ensure collective security.

He highlighted that countries within this zone share access to either the North Atlantic or the North Pacific, making them strategically linked. This interconnected positioning, he argued, requires coordinated defence efforts to address emerging threats and maintain stability.

The approach suggests a stronger US commitment to collaboration with neighbouring nations, with an emphasis on joint operations, intelligence sharing, and military readiness.

Greater Responsibility for Southern Nations

While the northern region will see increased US engagement, Hegseth indicated that countries south of the equator will be expected to take on a larger role in maintaining their own security.

He called for what he described as “burden sharing,” urging southern nations to strengthen their capabilities in safeguarding key maritime zones such as the South Atlantic and South Pacific. This includes protecting vital infrastructure and natural resources in coordination with the United States and its allies.

The proposal reflects a broader effort to distribute defence responsibilities more evenly across the hemisphere, reducing reliance on US-led operations in southern regions.

Historical Reference Shapes Modern Strategy

In explaining the concept, Hegseth drew comparisons to strategies used during World War II. He referred to a framework known as “Quarter Sphere Defence,” which focused on securing a defined geographical area through coordinated military efforts.

By invoking this historical model, he suggested that similar principles could be adapted to address current global challenges. The reference underscores the administration’s intention to combine traditional defence thinking with modern geopolitical realities.

Implications for Regional Cooperation

The “Greater North America” strategy marks a notable shift in how the United States approaches hemispheric security. By redefining boundaries and expectations, the plan aims to create a more structured and collaborative defence network across the Americas.

However, its success will likely depend on how regional partners respond to the proposed changes, particularly in terms of increased responsibility for southern nations. The framework could reshape defence relationships, influence military planning, and alter the balance of cooperation within the Western Hemisphere.

As discussions continue among defence officials, the strategy is expected to remain a key topic in future regional security dialogues.