Security in an interconnected world. A Strategic Vision for Defence Policy
The security environment in the Netherlands and the world around it has deteriorated. Security in an Interconnected World. A Strategic Vision for Defence Policy follows the idea that security policy must be based on strategic analysis. Defence policy and the role of the armed forces can subsequently be determined on the grounds of said analysis. More than ever, internal and external security, and developments both in the Netherlands and abroad are interconnected.
Partnerships
Domestic and foreign security policies need to be more closely connected and reinforce each other in order for the Netherlands to make a contribution in North Atlantic and European partnerships. NATO and the EU remain the principal frameworks for defence policy. An effective Dutch security policy has to respond to the international interdependence of our society.
Armed forces
It is of great importance for the Netherlands to continue investing in strengthening the international legal order and in conditions and circumstances in which countries are able to develop socio-economically, politically and as constitutional states. In recent years, there have been a growing number of plans for investing more heavily in the armed forces. The need for additional budgetary scope is frequently underlined,
Key concepts
There must be three central concepts to the security policy in order to renew the focus on defence policy and, in particular, the armed forces. First is national security, i.e. the security of the country as a whole. Second is flow security. It must be possible for food, raw materials and other goods, but also services, to arrive or be exported unhindered via connecting routes. The same applies to essential data traffic, which can be disrupted physically as well as electronically. Third is human security. This includes not only an individual’s personal situation, but also the extent to which people can put their trust in government services and social conditions that are vital to them.