National Security

Definitions

European Definitions

There is no European definition of National Security.
However, Article 8(2) about the Right to respect for private and family life of the European Convention on Human Rights states "There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others." This leaves the definition and interpretation of national security to the individual Member States.

National Definitions

Australia

Australia’s defence, security, international relations or law enforcement interests.

Netherlands

The national security is threatened when vital interest of the Dutch State and/or Dutch society is hampered in a way that it potentially causes societal disruption.

De nationale veiligheid is in het geding als vitale belangen van onze staat en/of onze samenleving zodanig bedreigd worden dat sprake is van – potentiële – maatschappelijke ontwrichting.

Nationale veiligheid omvat zowel aantasting van de veiligheid door opzettelijk menselijk handelen (security) als aantasting door rampen, systeem- of procesfouten, menselijk falen of natuurlijke anomalieën zoals extreem weer (safety).

Philippines

Our national security is a state or condition where our most cherished values and beliefs, our democratic way of life, our institutions of governance and our unity, welfare and well-being as a nation and people are permanently protected and continuously enhanced.

Russian Federation

National security is the situation in which the individual, the society and the state enjoy protection from foreign and domestic threats to the degree that ensures constitutional rights and freedoms, decent quality of life for citizens, as well as sovereignty, territorial integrity and stable development of the Russian Federation, the defense and security of the state.

United States

National security is a collective term encompassing both national defense and foreign relations of the United States. Specifically, the condition provided by: 1) a military or defense advantage over any foreign nation or group of nations; 2) a favorable foreign relations position; or 3) a defense posture capable of successfully resisting hostile or destructive action from within or without, overt or covert.

Depending on risk, these actions could include: changes in tactics, techniques, or procedures; adding redundancy; selection of another asset; isolation or hardening; guarding; etc.

Discussion Topic

This is a discussion on the various definitions listed above.

See also

• ECI
• European Critical Infrastructure