National security
Definition and stakes
National security involves the protection and preservation of a state through political, economic, military, and diplomatic strategies, addressing both conventional military dangers and contemporary issues such as cyber threats and terrorism. From Truman's focus on economic stability as a cornerstone of security, to Eisenhower's acknowledgment of ethical and economic considerations, and Reagan's emphasis on innovation in defense, scholars have examined its changing aspects.
Obama highlighted its wide-ranging consequences, while Doctorow critically assessed its balance with constitutional rights. The idea has broadened beyond military power to incorporate infrastructure, cyber resilience, and international collaboration, illustrating a comprehensive strategy for protecting national interests.
Quotes about “national security”
Harry S. Truman,
Second State of the Union Address
(1947)
“ National security does not consist only of an army, a navy, and an air force. It rests on a much broader basis. It depends on a sound economy of prices and wages, on prosperous agriculture, on satisfied and productive workers, on a competitive private enterprise free from monopolistic repression, on continued industrial harmony and production, on civil liberties and human freedoms-on all the forces which create in our men and women a strong moral fiber and spiritual stamina. But we have a higher duty and a greater responsibility than the attainment of our own national security. ”
“ "This sounds like you're saying that national security is more important than the Constitution." ”
A. T. Mahan,
The Interest of America in Sea Power…
“ For national security, the correlative of a national principle firmly held and distinctly avowed is, not only the will, but the power to enforce it. The clear expression of national purpose, accompanied by evident and adequate means to carry it into effect, is the surest safeguard against war, provided always that the national contention is maintained with a candid and courteous consideration of the rights and susceptibilities of other states. ”
Ronald Reagan,
Presidential Radio Address
(1987)
“ Of our national security, I will once again stress that no duty of the Federal Government is more important than the defense of this Republic. I will reassert the importance of the American virtues of boldness and innovation-virtues embodied in our Strategic Defense Initiative. ”
Dwight D. Eisenhower,
Fifth State of the Union Address…
“ National security requires far more than military power. Economic and moral factors play indispensable roles. Any program that endangers our economy could defeat us. Any weakening of our national will and resolution, any diminution of the vigor and initiative of our individual citizens, would strike a blow at the heart of our defenses. ”
George W. Bush,
The National Security Strategy…
(2002)
“ In building a balance of power that favors freedom, the United States is guided by the conviction that all nations have important responsibilities. Nations that enjoy freedom must actively fight terror. Nations that depend on international stability must help prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Nations that seek international aid must govern themselves wisely, so that aid is well spent. For freedom to thrive, accountability must be expected and required.We are also guided by the conviction that no nation can build a safer, better world alone. ”
Robert W. Bruère, The Coming of Coal
“ As we approach the problem of government in our basic industries as in the nation, we discover two seemingly conflicting tendencies, two great elements in our population apparently pulling in opposite directions. In the question of national security and defence, the one instinctively follows the ancient tradition of European nations, piling up armies and navies, and striving to make America the most formidable military power in the world; the second leans to a policy of reconciliation, striving by conference and understandings with other nations to prevent disagreements and to avert wars. ”
The National Security Strategy… (2002)
“ Embodying lessons from our past and using the opportunity we have today, the national security strategy of the United States must start from these core beliefs and look outward for possibilities to expand liberty. ”
“ The United States intelligence effort shall provide the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council with the necessary information on which to base decisions concerning the development and conduct of foreign, defense, and economic policies, and the protection of United States national interests from foreign security threats. ”
Barack Obama,
Foreign Policy Speech
(2007)
“ In order to advance our national security and our common security, we must call on the full arsenal of American power and ingenuity. To constrain rogue nations, we must use effective diplomacy and muscular alliances. To penetrate terrorist networks, we need a nimble intelligence community – with strong leadership that forces agencies to share information, and invests in the tools, technologies and human intelligence that can get the job done. To maintain our influence in the world economy, we need to get our fiscal house in order. ”
“ Ensure military preparedness and readiness to respond to national security emergencies; (2) In coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, develop, with industry, government, and the private sector, reliable capabilities for the rapid increase of defense production to include industrial resources required for that production; (3) Develop and maintain, in cooperation with the heads of other departments and agencies, national security emergency plans, programs, and mechanisms to ensure effective mutual support between and among the military, civil government, and the private sector ”
“ For purposes of this paragraph, 'national security' means the national defense and foreign relations of the United States and specifically includes: (a) a military or defense advantage over any foreign nation or group of nations, (b) a favorable foreign relations position, or (c) a defense posture capable of successfully resisting hostile or destructive action from within or without, overt or covert. Examples of substantial damage to the national security of the United States may include: impeding the performance of a combat mission or operation ”
Lawrence Ari Fleischer, Press Briefing to the Pool By Ari Fleischer… (2001)
“ There are a series of plan that you always hope remain on the shelf that, unfortunately, today had to be implemented. And so, as a matter of security, the President traveled in the manner that he did and that also allowed the national security community to assess the ongoing nature of a threat. ”
The National Security Strategy… (2002)
“ IX. Transform America's National Security Institutions to Meet the Challenges and Opportunities of the Twenty-First Century Terrorists attacked a symbol of American prosperity. They did not touch its source. America is successful because of the hard work, creativity, and enterprise of our people. ”
“ The National Security Strategy emphasizes the importance of partnerships, underscoring that to keep our Nation safe “we must tap the ingenuity outside government through strategic partnerships with the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and community-based organizations. ”
Barack Obama, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, Michael Morell, John Brennan, Presidential Press Conference (2013)
“ To have those who have been in the field, who have been in the heat of battle, who understand the consequences of decisions that we make in this town and how it has an impact and ramifications for everybody who actually has to execute our national security strategies, that’s something invaluable. ”
The National Security Strategy… (2002)
“ We will make hard choices in the coming year and beyond to ensure the right level and allocation of government spending on national security. The United States Government must strengthen its defenses to win this war. At home, our most important priority is to protect the homeland for the American people. ”
“ Protecting information critical to our Nation's security remains a priority. In recent years, however, dramatic changes have altered, although not eliminated, the national security threats that we confront. These changes provide a greater opportunity to emphasize our commitment to open Government. ”
Carl Schurz,
Speeches of Carl Schurz
(1865)
“ It cannot be changed without breaking down the safeguards of our national security. No man who understands the spirit of American institutions will fail to see this, and he who does not, may be said not to comprehend the tendency of our fundamental laws. ”
“ The United States must have the capability to rapidly mobilize its resources in the interest of national security. Therefore, to achieve prompt delivery of articles, products, and materials to meet national security requirements, the Government may place orders and require priority performance of these orders. ”
Harry S. Truman,
Fourth State of the Union Address
(1949)
“ Until a system of world security is established upon which we can safely rely, we cannot escape the burden of creating and maintaining armed forces sufficient to deter aggression. We have made great progress in the last year in the effective organization of our Armed Forces, but further improvements in our national security legislation are necessary. Universal training is essential to the security of the United States. ”
Barack Obama and Eric Shinseki, President-elect press conference…
“ As we seek a new national security strategy that uses all elements of American power, we must also remember those who run the greatest risks and make the greatest sacrifices to implement that strategy – the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America. ”
Joseph Robinette Biden, Executive Order 14034 (2021)
“ The Federal Government should evaluate these threats through rigorous, evidence-based analysis and should address any unacceptable or undue risks consistent with overall national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives, including the preservation and demonstration of America’s core values and fundamental freedoms. ”
Ronald Reagan,
State of the Union Address
(25 January 1988)
“ We must protect that peace and deter war by making sure the next President inherits what you and I have a moral obligation to give that President: a national security that is unassailable and a national defense that takes full advantage of new technology and is fully funded. ”
“ Timely and accurate information about the activities, capabilities, plans, and intentions of foreign powers, organizations, and persons, and their agents, is essential to the national security of the United States. All reasonable and lawful means must be used to ensure that the United States will receive the best intelligence available. ”
United States. Presidents, U.S. Presidential Inaugural Addresses
“ Now let me turn to a task which is the primary responsibility of National Government—the safety and security of our people. Today, we utter no prayer more fervently than the ancient prayer for peace on Earth. Yet history has shown that peace will not come, nor will our freedom be preserved, by good will alone. There are those in the world who scorn our vision of human dignity and freedom. One nation, the Soviet Union, has conducted the greatest military buildup in the history of man, building arsenals of awesome offensive weapons. ”
“ Those procedures enhance our ability to detect foreign nationals who might commit, aid, or support acts of terrorism, or otherwise pose a threat to the national security or public safety of the United States, and they bolster our efforts to prevent such individuals from entering the country. ”
Law of the People's Republic of China on National Defense…
“ Central government bodies, local people's governments at all levels, and relevant military bodies shall, in accordance with their respective prescribed functions and powers, administer and execute border defense, maritime defense, air defense, and defense of other criticalsecurity domains, in a joint effort to safeguard national security and interests. ”
William Jefferson Clinton, Presidential Radio Address (1993)
“ What we need to decide is whether we will invest in the economic security of the people who defend our national security. For the past 4 years our Government has done essentially nothing. Since 1989, 300,000 soldiers, sailors, and flyers have been mustered out of the service. ”
by the United Nations, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1756
“ Requests the Government, with the support of the international community, to develop as a matter of urgency a national security strategy and to plan and carry out security sector reform in order to establish professional security organizations in the areas of defence, police and the administration of justice that are well managed, protect civilians and act in accordance with the Constitution and with respect for the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law ”
National Security Council, National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
“ We will also continue to protect various assets such as historical attractions or certain highprofile events whose destruction or attack would not necessarily debilitate our national security but could damage the morale and confidence of the American people. Beyond the Homeland, we will continue to protect and defend U.S. citizens, diplomatic missions, and military facilities overseas, as well as work with our partners to strengthen their ability to protect their populations and critical infrastructures. ”
George W. Bush,
The National Security Strategy…
(2002)
“ Today, the United States enjoys a position of unparalleled military strength and great economic and political influence. In keeping with our heritage and principles, we do not use our strength to press for unilateral advantage.We seek instead to create a balance of power that favors human freedom: conditions in which all nations and all societies can choose for themselves the rewards and challenges of political and economic liberty. ”
Bill Clinton,
Bill Clinton's address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention
(2012)
“ I'm so proud of her and grateful to our entire national security team for all they've done to make us safer and stronger and to build a world with more partners and fewer enemies. ”
The National Security Strategy… (2002)
“ Still, we will be prepared to act apart when our interests and unique responsibilities require.When we disagree on particulars, we will explain forthrightly the grounds for our concerns and strive to forge viable alternatives.We will not allow such disagreements to obscure our determination to secure together, with our allies and our friends, our shared fundamental interests and values.Ultimately, the foundation of American strength is at home. It is in the skills of our people, the dynamism of our economy, and the resilience of our institutions. ”
The National Security Strategy… (2002)
“ The United States must and will maintain the capability to defeat any attempt by an enemy—whether a state or non-state actor—to impose its will on the United States, our allies, or our friends.We will maintain the forces sufficient to support our obligations, and to defend freedom. Our forces will be strong enough to dissuade potential adversaries from pursuing a military build-up in hopes of surpassing, or equaling, the power of the United States. ”
United States. Executive Office of the President, National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
“ Protection of vital systems is a shared responsibility of the public and private sectors, working collectively with the owners, operators, and users of those systems. The integrity of critical infrastructures, permitting national security mobilization and global engagement during times of both peace and conflict, must be assured. ”
Benjamin Harrison, Speeches of Benjamin Harrison, Twenty-third President of the United States
“ Here is the firm foundation upon which our hopes for future security rest. What but our own neglect, what but our own unfaithfulness, can put in peril either our national institutions or our local organizations of government? True to ourselves, true to those principles which we have embodied in our Government, there is to the human eye no danger that can threaten the firm base of our institutions. ”
United States. Executive Office of the President, National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
“ They will exploit global systems of commerce, transportation, communications, and other sectors to inflict fear, destruction, and death, to compromise our national security, and to diminish public confidence and weaken our will to fight. ”
John F. Kennedy,
Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs…
(1961)
“ Finally, to cite one other area of activities that are both legitimate and necessary as a means of self-defense in an age of hidden perils, our whole intelligence effort must be reviewed, and its coordination with other elements of policy assured. The Congress and the American people are entitled to know that we will institute whatever new organization, policies, and control are necessary.VII. CIVIL DEFENSE One major element of the national security program which this nation has never squarely faced up to is civil defense. ”
The National Security Strategy… (2002)
“ The unparalleled strength of the United States armed forces, and their forward presence, have maintained the peace in some of the world’s most strategically vital regions. However, the threats and enemies we must confront have changed, and so must our forces. A military structured to deter massive Cold War-era armies must be transformed to focus more on how an adversary might fight rather than where and when a war might occur. ”
