Call Now
General Inquiries
1-866-684-7237
Master's Admissions
1-800-460-5597 (US & Canada)
+1-647-722-6642 (International)
Bachelor's and Certificate Admissions
1-866-684-7237
General Inquiries
1-866-684-7237
Master's Admissions
1-800-460-5597 (US & Canada)
+1-647-722-6642 (International)
Bachelor's and Certificate Admissions
1-866-684-7237
America’s main concern in developing national security policies is the protection of the United States and its citizens from foreign threats that compromise the safety of the nation. Currently, America’s national security policy strives to strengthen homeland security while also promoting domestic and global peace. To develop a better understanding of America’s national security policy, students who are interested in pursuing a career in international relations should understand its origins, as well as the structures and organizations within the policy.
During the early 1800s, with Europe gripped by the Napoleonic Wars, the United States remained neutral, opting for peace through trade with European nations like France and Britain, rather than imposing risks to national security by entering the fray. Toward the end of the 19th century, America became more formidable due to the rapid advancement of industrialization and the growth of the U.S. Navy. The American government was able to leverage this growth and quickly become a major stakeholder in the power struggle occurring globally. This was essential to the development of national security policies, as the United States was able to form a strong military that could help defend the young nation’s policies, as well as protect its populace.
World War II brought major change to the global landscape, but little damage to American infrastructure. This gave America the flexibility to expand its national security policy with the National Security Act of 1947 and adjust their official intention towards the containment and dissolution of communism in an effort to displace Soviet power. As the 20th century progressed, the nuclear arms race became the focal point of national security in the United States, and for all major powers across the globe. America introduced the Mutual Assured Destruction national security policy, which guaranteed the absolute destruction of both the attacking and defending nations if a nuclear attack were to be launched. This was a rather bold policy designed to frustrate any attempts by foreign nations to engage in nuclear war, which was the outcome most feared from the Cold War.
The Cold War marked a massive progression in the international arms race, and nations took additional measures to build alliances and gather intelligence. It was during this period of American history that important security structures like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Agency (NSA), North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and United Nations had their roles in American national security tested and explicitly redefined in anticipation of future attacks to be waged against the United States. Today, professionals who have gained authority in the field of national security are also tasked with developing innovative solutions to modern national security issues like cyber warfare, chemical attacks, and insurgency.
The United States’ national security policy is developed by several groups that must cooperate to produce a policy that achieves an overall goal of safeguarding American citizens. When President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, several large-scale government organizational changes were made for the sake of having more control over national security. These changes were not limited to the reorganization of existing structures, but also the introduction of new ones. Currently, the following are the most influential structures in regards to the United States’ national security policy:
Although each organization involved with America’s national security policy has individual priorities and agendas, they all share the overarching goal of protecting the United States of America and its citizens. To accomplish this expansive task, organizations within the national security policy structure may share pertinent information with one another if they believe that it can prove helpful. For example, the NSA may transfer information that it decodes to the DIA if they believe it can assist the DIA and the executive branch in making decisions and securing American citizens. The relationship between the organizations can also extend beyond simply sharing information, as leaders from each structure may meet together to discuss ways to improve security measures and leverage new technologies.
Professionals within national security and international relations organizations are tasked with the responsibility of finding new solutions for effectively defending the American public from domestic and international issues. Only through in-depth study of the origins and components of America’s national security policy can the next generation of international relations professionals ensure that they understand how to effectively utilize and improve policies that aim to protect the American public.
As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University has been a leader in innovative education since 1819. Through its online programs, Norwich delivers relevant and applicable curricula that allow its students to make a positive impact on their places of work and their communities.
Our online Master of Arts in International Relations program offers a curriculum that evolves with current events to help you face the future of international affairs. Norwich University’s master’s degree in international relations covers many subjects to give you a look at the internal workings of international players, examine the role of state and non-state actors on the global stage, and explore different schools of thought. You can further strengthen your knowledge by choosing one of five concentrations in International Security, National Security, International Development, Cyber Diplomacy, or Regions of the World.
Recommended Readings
International Security & Tension at the Korean Border
4 Trends Involving International Security
Sources
About DIA, Defense Intelligence Agency
National Security Act of 1947, Office of the Historian
Hess on Walker, ‘National Security and Core Values in American History’, Michigan State University Department of History
The National Security Strategy of the United States of America, The White House
Department of Defense 1994, National Partnership for Reinventing Government
CIA Overview, Central Intelligence Agency
Military Strength Essays, Heritage.org