1.What_is_NS

Introduction to National Security

• Course: IS-320 National Security Policy

• Instructor: MAJ Passmore

Historical Perspective

When Has the U.S. Been Secure or Insecure?

• Examine specific historical events and general time periods that influenced national security.

Definition of National Security

Definition 1: Protection from Adversaries

• Ensures safety of the country’s people, territory, and institutions from harm by adversaries.

Definition 2: Protection Against Threats

• Safeguards the country against threats that impede national interests.

Definition 3: Favorable Conditions for National Interests

• Encompasses strategies to create conditions that support the pursuit of national interests.

Differences Among Definitions

• Clarify distinctions between the three definitions and their implications for national security policy.

Main National Interests of a Country

• Engage in a discussion (3 minutes) to create a prioritized list of a nation’s core interests.

Detailed National Interests

Key Areas of Focus

1. Survival of the Nation

   • Protecting the people and national identity.

   • Threat eradication such as genocide.

2. Self-Governance

   • Preventing collapse of institutions and foreign occupation.

3. Border Maintenance

   • Defending against invasions and attacks.

4. Economic Prosperity

   • Ensuring the ability to develop and prosper amidst trade restrictions and sanctions.

5. National Success

   • Preventing economic challenges and competition.

6. Early Intervention

   • Monitoring emerging threats (e.g., unstable regimes) to prevent them from escalating.

7. Value Promotion

   • Spreading national values to other nations.

Threat Classification

• Consider the placement of specific groups within the context of national interests, such as:

  1. Ukrainians

  2. Palestinians in Gaza

  3. Americans

Interest Hierarchy

Types of Interests

• Vital Interests: Existential threats (e.g., terrorism, nuclear issues).

• Critical Interests: Threats that may escalate (e.g., rising challengers, resource scarcity).

• Serious Interests: Potential threats that require monitoring (e.g., unstable regimes).

• Peripheral Interests: Low/no immediate threat but still noteworthy (e.g., political changes in allied countries).

Vietnam War Classification

• Discuss where the Vietnam War fits within these categorizations of national interests.

Understanding Security Interests

Importance of Clarity

• Challenges in defining "security" interests:

  • Impact on policy support from the American public.

  • Implications for international reputation.

  • Resource scarcity restricts actions.

America's National Interests Over Time

Historical Focus

• Early Years: Emphasis on survival and prosperity.

• Recent Trends:

  • Projecting U.S. values.

  • Maintaining economic dominance.

  • Fostering global leadership.

Dynamic Nature

• National interests are continually evolving.

Case Studies in National Security

Cuban Missile Crisis

• Examine threats from communist ideology, Castro's regime, and Soviet nuclear capabilities in Cuba.

Iraq (2003)

• Analyze national interests pursued in Iraq, the perceived threat from Saddam Hussein, and public perception in the U.S. and abroad.

Next Steps

• Upcoming: Evolution of the U.S. National Security apparatus.