Defining National Security is an important first step in forming a strategy to actually secure a nation. The elements contained in most definitions refer to survival and safety of a nation and the protection and well being of its citizens. The country must use various means to accomplish this secure national condition from threats that are overt or covert and originate from within or from without. Therefore a succinct definition might sound something like the following one.
National Security is both a condition secured by national action and a country’s ability to act to protect its national identity and independence from overt or covert attack by any nation or group whether domestic or international through the use of appropriate hard and soft power.
It is important to include elements other than strictly military action; this is accomplished by adding soft power (economic aid, diplomacy, etc.). It is also important to establish that National Security is both a condition and an action. Including both independence as a nation and the identity of that nation goes more completely to securing a wide range of conditions that may be important to any country’s citizens.
Independence certainly includes the safety and well being of citizens from foreign or domestic tyranny, but the inclusion of national identity also includes the values inherent in that nation.
There was a lot missing in the other definitions of the term National Security. It certainly is more than just keeping enemies at bay. National Security must account for keeping the nation true to its founding or rebirth as would apply to formerly colonial nations.
This blog and how it comments on National Security depends on a complete definition and the above one may just fit the bill. Your comments are invited.
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