Geopolitical Shift Proposed: Szabo Advocates for "America First" Alliance with Houthi-Controlled Waterways

Washington D.C. – In a provocative statement on social media, prominent cryptographer Nick Szabo has called for a radical reorientation of U.S. foreign policy, urging the nation to abandon what he terms an "Israel first foreign policy" in favor of an "America First" approach. Szabo's proposal includes forming alliances with countries controlling strategic waterways, specifically naming Malaysia, Morocco, and the Houthis in Yemen.

"How about opposing rape, torture, and genocide for starters? How an America First foreign policy -- which would look radically different from the current Israel first foreign policy. For starters, ally with countries that control strategic waterways -- Malaysia, Morrocco, and the Houthis for example," Szabo stated in a tweet on October 20, 2025. He further asserted that such a policy would require throwing "the albatross Israel -- off our necks -- and you are a diehard Israeli-first betrayer of actual American interests."

The "America First" foreign policy, popularized by former President Donald Trump, generally emphasizes prioritizing U.S. national interests, economic self-sufficiency, and non-interventionism, often leading to a transactional approach to international relations and a distancing from multilateral agreements. Critics of this approach often point to its historical associations with isolationism and nationalism.

Szabo's mention of the Houthis is particularly notable given their significant and disruptive control over strategic waterways in the Red Sea, specifically the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Since late 2023, the Iran-backed Houthi movement has launched numerous attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, ostensibly in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. These actions have severely impacted global trade, rerouting vessels and increasing shipping costs, and have drawn military responses from the U.S. and its allies.

Malaysia and Morocco, also cited by Szabo, control other critical maritime chokepoints. Malaysia shares control of the Strait of Malacca, a vital shipping lane connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans, through which a quarter of the world's seaborne trade and 30% of global oil trade passes. Morocco, alongside Spain and Gibraltar, borders the Strait of Gibraltar, the sole natural connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, handling over 100,000 vessels annually.

The concept of an "Israel first foreign policy" has been a subject of debate and criticism in U.S. foreign policy circles for years. Arguments often suggest that U.S. policy in the Middle East disproportionately favors Israeli interests, sometimes at the expense of broader U.S. strategic goals or regional stability. This criticism frequently cites the substantial U.S. military and financial aid to Israel and the perceived lack of leverage the U.S. has over Israeli actions.

Szabo, primarily known for his pioneering work in cryptocurrency and smart contracts, has previously expressed strong opinions on political matters, including support for Trump. His latest foreign policy proposition, advocating alliances with entities like the Houthis and a departure from traditional U.S. alliances, underscores a highly unconventional and controversial vision for America's role on the global stage.