Developing and Implementing an Effective National Security Strategy for Croatia

Abstract

Abstract : This essay begins with an analysis of the Homeland War, which the Republic of Croatia won without a published National Security Strategy (NSS), and asks whether a small country such as Croatia needs or does not need a NSS. The essay continues by analyzing the values of the present 2002 NSS and its application in today s changed security environment, continuing with the recommendation that the NSS should be updated. The additional key points for the new NSS development found that the outdated NSS, as hierarchically the highest security strategy, causes significant problems when developing, and especially implementing the subordinated strategies and documents. The final analysis identifies problems in the insufficient national security system and the lack of political want to efficiently deal with national security issues. The essay ends with several recommendations for enhancing the national security system through necessary changes in legislation and establishing a new permanent board of the National Security Council that is responsible for crafting Croatian national security strategy and policy.