Page 30 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

II National Security and Modern Conflict

As explained previously, IUlliolWf sfmtegy combines all the Ci.lpabili- Threat Evaluation
ties of a nation to attain its national interests and objectives. One
National security factors are meaningful, however, only when
of the 1110s1 important of these objectives is the maintenance of
viewed ill context with external and internal threats. The most
national security. \'Vhilc military power is the primary means by
obvious threat to any nation is military. But national security can
which national security is maintained, it is not the only thing. All
be harmed just as badly by political, economic. and psychological
aspects of a nation's power must be considered ill the total stmtcgy.
warfare as by force of arms. A good example of this is the effect of
Political policy is of primary importance in all national secu-
instability in the Middle East on the suppl)' and price of oil in the
rit)' strateg),. It is through politics. both at home and abroad. that
United States and Europe. The military threat is merely easier to
the minds and actions of people (;.111 be influenced. There are other
identif)', and perhaps the easiest to counter if a nation has the will
important considerations as well. A nation's economy, including its
to keep sufficient forces in readiness.
natural resources, industrial capacity, and finances, is a very impor-
There are three basic considerations in evaluating possible
tant clement of national power and can be used to attain national
external threats to a nation's national security:
objectives. The strength and will of its citizens is also impor-
tant, including their numbers, location, morale, and education. Capabilities-\,Vhat ((111 a potential adversary do?
Geographic position, natural defenses, terrain, and the food supply Intentions-\-Vhat lVii/the adversary do?
are all significant factors. Finally, a good scientific and teclmological Vulncrabilities-\'Vhat are the adversary's weaknesses?
base is important both for national security and commerce.

Although not the threat it once was, the Russian Kiev-class carrier Novorossiysk shown here is still a formidable warShip. Note the missile launch-
ers forward, and the VTOL fighter aircraft aft.

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