Final answer:
National security involves a combination of military strength, economic stability, energy conservation, and environmental protection to ensure a nation's survival. The concept, especially after the National Security Act of 1947, includes diverse threats from nation-states to non-state actors and natural disasters.
Step-by-step explanation:
National Security Definition
National security, as developed in the United States post-World War II, refers to policies and measures aimed at ensuring the survival of the state. This involves military security, which is the capability of a nation to defend itself and deter aggression, and has historically been viewed as paramount. Over time, the concept has expanded to include a range of concerns, essential for a nation's security, such as economic security, energy security, and environmental security.
Economic security is considered crucial, in a globalized world with multinational agreements and interdependent economies, for a nation to freely develop its own economy. The political aspect, incorporating stability and international diplomacy, is also a key factor. Security threats encompass traditional nation-states and non-state actors, including terrorist organizations like al Qaeda, narcotic cartels, multinational corporations, and even natural disasters.
Key legislation such as the National Security Act of 1947 played a significant role in framing national security policy in the United States, establishing vital agencies like the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Central Intelligence Agency.