What is one of the four defense priorities described in the National Defense Strategy (NDS)?

One of the four defense priorities outlined in the National Defense Strategy (NDS) is to defend the homeland. This priority underscores the importance of protecting the United States and its citizens from potential threats, both from state actors and non-state actors. It emphasizes a need for robust national defense mechanisms, including military readiness, intelligence capabilities, and resilience against cyber threats.

Defending the homeland is crucial in maintaining national security and ensuring that the U.S. can respond effectively to immediate dangers. This priority shapes policy decisions regarding resource allocation, military strategies, and collaboration with other government agencies to enhance protective measures.

The other options, while related to broader aspects of national security and foreign policy, do not represent the core defense priorities detailed in the NDS. For instance, increasing defense spending may be a consequential action based on the priorities but is not itself a stated priority. Similarly, expanding diplomatic ties and developing space exploration programs are significant initiatives but fall outside the immediate focus of homeland defense as defined in the NDS.