National Security Historical Foundations
What do you see as some of the historical foundations upon which the U.S. national security enterprise, as it is currently constituted, rests?
The U.S. national security enterprise, as it is currently constituted, rests on a number of historical foundations. Some of the key ones include:
1. The Constitution of the United States: The Constitution provides the framework for the U.S. government and establishes the roles and responsibilities of the different branches of government, including the role of the military in protecting the nation.
2. The National Security Act of 1947: This law created the modern national security structure of the United States, including the establishment of the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Central Intelligence Agency.3. The Cold War: The Cold War shaped U.S. national security strategy and policy for several decades, leading to the development of a global military presence and the establishment of a large intelligence apparatus.
4. The 9/11 Attacks: The attacks of September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on U.S. national security policy, leading to significant changes in military strategy, intelligence gathering and counterterrorism efforts.
5. The War on Terror: The War on Terror is an ongoing conflict, begun after the 9/11 attacks, that has had a significant impact on U.S. national security policy, including the use of military force in Iraq and Afghanistan and the expansion of surveillance and intelligence-gathering programs at home and abroad.
References:
Douglas T. Stuart, “Ministry of Fear: The 1947 National Security Act in Historical and Institutional Context.” International Studies Perspectives, 2003.
History of the National Security Council, 1947-1997
National Security Act of 1947 by Office of the Historian