; (2) United States allies and partners are critical to defending peace and prosperity throughout the world; (3) the rules-based international order supported by the United States and its allies has ensured—and will continue to promote—an international system that benefits all nations; (4) throughout the world, the United States will continue to foster relationships with nations of like minds and beliefs; (5) as the United States manages multiple strategic challenges, our enduring strength remains in alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization