What outlines the US defense, economic, internal, and international security objectives?

The National Security Strategy (NSS) serves as the overarching framework that outlines the United States' defense, economic, internal, and international security objectives. The NSS articulates the vision and strategic priorities of the U.S. government, providing guidance on how the nation intends to achieve its security goals and interests.

The NSS typically addresses various elements, including the threats the U.S. faces, the strategic goals it aims to achieve, and the means by which it plans to address these challenges through a combination of military and diplomatic efforts. It effectively integrates various aspects of national power—political, economic, and military—to enhance the overall security posture of the country.

In contrast, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) primarily focuses on authorizing funding and policies for the Department of Defense, while the Defense Planning Guidance (DPG) provides more specific directions on military strategy and resources. The Unified Command Plan (UCP) outlines the responsibilities and operational priorities of the unified combatant commands but does not encompass the broader strategic objectives that the NSS does. Thus, the NSS is central to articulating the comprehensive security policy of the United States.