Description
This paper examines why states publish national security strategies through analysis of the explicitly stated rationales in these documents from 1987-2024. While many security strategies are produced without explicit justification, those that do explain their creation reveal several key motivations. First, legal and constitutional requirements often mandate their production, particularly in established democracies, indicating these documents' role in civil-military relations and democratic oversight. Second, significant changes in the security environment frequently trigger new strategies, as seen following major global events. Third, states produce these documents to provide strategic direction and institutional guidance while promoting transparency with domestic and international audiences. Fourth, many strategies are published to fulfil international commitments, particularly among NATO members and emerging democracies. Finally, regular review cycles and government transitions often prompt new publications. Interestingly, states with stronger democratic traditions tend to be more explicit about their reasons for publishing these documents, suggesting transparency about strategic planning may itself serve democratic accountability. This analysis contributes to our understanding of why states engage in public strategic planning and how these documents serve both practical and symbolic functions in national security governance.
