That the United States is "the world's strongest nation, enjoying unique advantages in technology, energy, alliances and partnerships, and demographics," is the underlying assumption in thedocument. "However, these advantages are being challenged."

The main challengers are the state actors of Russia, Iran and North Korea, and non-state groups – particularly the "violent extremist organizations" (VEO) such as Islamic State and the Taliban. The strategy attempts to create a unified approach to dealing with both, seeking to "deter, deny, and defeat" the states and "disrupt and degrade" the non-state groups.

The document blames Russia for violating "numerous agreements" with its "military actions." This list of agreements includes a number of pacts that US has been also violating such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

Iran and North Korea, on the other hand, are accused of seeking nuclear weapons. The document explains that the US would like to see China, which is not listed as a rival, as part of the international order, rather than a regional power challenging Washington's dominance.