What is a National Security Strategy and Why Have One? - Stephen Mariano

Summary

The speaker discusses national security strategy, explaining its importance as a whole-of-government approach to advancing a nation's interests and protecting them. Key topics include the rationale behind creating a strategy, reasons why some nations might avoid it, and the available resources (DIME: Diplomacy, Information, Military, Economic) for its implementation. The speech also highlights the need for a flexible, servant-leadership approach in strategy development, considering various security types such as state, human, environmental, and regime security. The importance of consensus and balancing resources and risks in strategy formulation is emphasized, with a focus on both internal and external challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 A National Security Strategy (NSS) is a whole-of-government approach, not limited to military strategy, but including diplomatic, economic, and informational elements.
• 😀 A National Security Strategy involves determining national interests, setting objectives, and finding creative ways to utilize available means or generate resources to achieve those objectives.
• 😀 A NSS is an ends, ways, and means structure that includes continuous evaluation of the environment and adjustments to the strategy as needed.
• 😀 There are two types of strategies: outward-facing (focused on external relations) and inward-facing (focused on domestic issues and resource generation). Both types are critical for effective strategy development.
• 😀 Rationale for developing a National Security Strategy includes factors such as changes in the international, regional, or domestic environment, or a change in leadership.
• 😀 A National Security Strategy can provide a shared vision, unify national efforts, prioritize resources, and send a message of intent to other nations.
• 😀 Some reasons a nation might avoid a National Security Strategy include secrecy, fear of constraining action, potential failure, or lack of public support.
• 😀 Means or resources for implementing a strategy include institutions (e.g., ministries and organizations), people (e.g., diplomats and analysts), and tangible things (e.g., equipment, media, military resources).
• 😀 The acronym DIME (Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic) represents the primary instruments of power that nations use to achieve their strategic objectives.
• 😀 The effectiveness of a National Security Strategy relies on how well a nation coordinates and utilizes its resources, such as economic aid, military forces, and diplomatic influence, over time to meet its goals.
• 😀 National security strategies must consider various security perspectives, including traditional state security, human security, environmental security, and regime security, especially in contemporary African contexts.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a National Security Strategy?

The primary purpose of a National Security Strategy is to create a whole-of-government strategy that looks at the national, regional, and international contexts. It defines the nation's best interests, sets objectives to advance or protect those interests, and finds ways to generate or utilize available resources to implement the strategy.

How is a National Security Strategy different from a military strategy?

A National Security Strategy is broader than a military strategy. While a military strategy focuses on defense and military actions, a National Security Strategy includes the use of all instruments of power, such as diplomacy, information, military, and economics, and addresses both internal and external factors that affect national security.

What are inward and outward facing strategies?

Inward facing strategies focus on a country's internal situation, including domestic issues and the ability to generate resources. Outward facing strategies are focused on a country's relationships with other nations or the international environment, aiming to influence or protect national interests.

Why might a country not want to have a written National Security Strategy?

There are several reasons a country might avoid a written National Security Strategy. These include the desire to maintain secrecy, avoid constraints that might limit flexibility, prevent public criticism if the strategy fails, or protect the leader's personal control and flexibility.

What are some examples of diplomatic means or instruments of power?

Diplomatic means include formal institutions like Ministries of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, international organizations (e.g., the United Nations), treaties, agreements, and informal tools such as special envoys, communication channels like cables, and even the use of influential individuals for diplomacy.

What role does information play in a National Security Strategy?

Information is crucial in shaping public opinion, influencing foreign and domestic audiences, and providing accurate data for decision-making. Information-related means include ministries of information, intelligence agencies, think tanks, and media platforms like newspapers, social media, and even mobile phones.

What types of economic means are considered in National Security Strategy development?

Economic means include financial resources like grants, loans, and aid; economic institutions such as the World Bank and African Development Bank; trade relations; sanctions; and the management of natural resources, such as food, vaccines, and other commodities.

How are military resources categorized within a National Security Strategy?

Military resources are categorized into institutions (e.g., ministries of defense, regional military organizations), personnel (e.g., troops, commanders), and tangible items (e.g., weapons, vehicles, uniforms). These resources are used strategically depending on the country's needs and objectives.

What does the concept of 'servant leadership' mean in the context of strategy development?

'Servant leadership' refers to a leadership model where the leader prioritizes the nation's interests above their own, fostering consensus, understanding, and a collaborative approach to strategy development. It emphasizes accountability, humility, and service to the nation's goals.

Why is it important for a National Security Strategy to be adaptable to environmental changes?

A National Security Strategy must be adaptable to changes in the international, regional, and domestic environments. These changes can disrupt the strategy, so continual scanning and adjustments are necessary to ensure the strategy remains relevant and effective in achieving the nation's objectives.