Washington, July 15 -- A senior American defence official has dismissed the concept of a coalition of "middle powers", asserting that international partners would be squandering effort by pursuing such a plan even as global alignments shift amid the current US administration's foreign policy approach.

In a post on X, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby contended that nations pursuing closer alignment outside the Washington-led framework lack the necessary solidarity to form a potent coalition capable of challenging American global dominance.

The statements come amid a backdrop where NATO partners, responding to discussions regarding Washington's long-term commitments to the military alliance, are forging closer strategic ti...