national security

government

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July 1, 2026

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National security refers to the protection of a country's interests and its citizens from external threats. In the United States, the President, with the help of the National Security Council, prepares an annual National Security Strategy Report for Congress. This report outlines the nation's security goals and the strategies, including political, economic, and military power, to achieve them.1

The concept of self-preservation is fundamental to government functions, encompassing both the safety of citizens from each other and the country's defense against foreign powers. Maintaining national security involves armed forces and intelligence activities, as well as diplomatic relations and international cooperation. Intelligence agencies, such as the CIA and NSA, play a crucial role in gathering information to inform national security policy.23

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press and government relations
Theories of Press–Government Relations
…as for example with “national security,” where many argue that patriotism should prevail over the watchdog function of the press. There is also an important distinction in democratic systems between more classical liberal systems such as the United States, where government intervention is seen as a barrier to press…
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…as for example with “national security,” where many argue that patriotism should prevail over the watchdog function of the press. There is also an important distinction in democratic systems between more classical liberal systems such as the United States, where government intervention is seen as a barrier to press…
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intelligence
National intelligence systems
It is likely that during the Cold War some national intelligence systems, especially those in the major countries, grew beyond their optimal size. Some countries also have experienced problems controlling their intelligence systems. In both democracies and authoritarian societies, these organizations are…
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It is likely that during the Cold War some national intelligence systems, especially those in the major countries, grew beyond their optimal size. Some countries also have experienced problems controlling their intelligence systems. In both democracies and authoritarian societies, these organizations are…
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police
High policing: the protection of national security
In continental Europe, police work that is directed at protecting national security is known as high policing, in reference to the “higher” interests of the state. There is no conventional designation for this category of policing in Anglo-Saxon countries, however. Calling it “secret”…
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In continental Europe, police work that is directed at protecting national security is known as high policing, in reference to the “higher” interests of the state. There is no conventional designation for this category of policing in Anglo-Saxon countries, however. Calling it “secret”…
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security and protection system
Development of security systems.
…became part of a country’s national-security system. After World War II much of this apparatus was retained as a result of international tensions and defense-production programs and became part of an increasingly professionalized complex of security functions.
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…became part of a country’s national-security system. After World War II much of this apparatus was retained as a result of international tensions and defense-production programs and became part of an increasingly professionalized complex of security functions.
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