National security (6do encyclopedia)



National security refers to the protection of a nation’s people, infrastructure, and interests against internal and external threats. National security is crucial in preserving a country’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Along with political, economic, and social factors, national security is a key component of a nation’s overall stability and success.

National security threats can come from a variety of sources, including military conflicts, terrorism, espionage, cyber attacks, natural disasters, and pandemics. These threats can manifest in various forms and can pose a significant challenge to the security and stability of a nation.

Military conflicts have been a significant national security threat throughout history. Wars and conflicts have resulted in millions of casualties, widespread destruction, displacement of populations, and significant economic costs. Countries must maintain robust military capabilities to deter aggression and protect their interests. A strong military also enables a country to respond quickly and effectively to security threats.

Terrorism is another significant national security threat, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Terrorists seek to inflict significant harm on civilians, cause economic disruption, and destabilize governments. They may be motivated by religious, political, or ideological goals, and they may target high-profile locations or symbolic targets. Counter-terrorism measures involve the collection of intelligence, surveillance, and the use of military and law enforcement personnel to prevent or respond to terrorist attacks.

Espionage is also a significant national security threat. Foreign governments may conduct espionage activities to gain sensitive information about a country’s military, political, and economic operations. Government agencies must have robust counter-espionage measures to prevent the theft of vital information.

In recent years, cyberattacks have emerged as an increasingly significant national security threat. Hackers may attempt to gain unauthorized access to government and private-sector computer networks to steal information or disrupt critical infrastructure. Cybersecurity measures are essential for preventing these types of attacks and ensuring the safety and security of data and communication systems.

Natural disasters and pandemics can also pose significant national security threats. Countries must have effective emergency response plans and infrastructure to manage national emergencies and respond effectively to disasters.

Ensuring national security requires a comprehensive approach that includes societal, economic, and political factors. It involves collaboration across numerous government agencies, including intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, diplomatic corps, and the military. Government agencies must work together to develop and implement comprehensive national security plans that address all potential threats.

National security policies must also consider the impact on civil liberties to ensure that they are consistent with democratic values. The collection of intelligence and surveillance operations must be conducted within the bounds of the law and avoid infringing on individuals’ privacy rights.

In conclusion, national security is essential for ensuring a country’s stability, security, and prosperity. It is necessary to protect against a range of threats, including military conflicts, terrorism, espionage, cyberattacks, natural disasters, and pandemics. National security requires a comprehensive approach involving collaboration across government agencies and multiple sectors to address potential threats and respond effectively. Effective national security policies must also consider civil liberties and be consistent with democratic values.


Disclaimer
6do Encyclopedia represents the inaugural AI-driven knowledge repository, and we cordially invite all community users to collaborate and contribute to the enhancement of its accuracy and completeness.
Should you identify any inaccuracies or discrepancies, we respectfully request that you promptly bring these to our attention. Furthermore, you are encouraged to engage in dialogue with the 6do AI chatbot for clarifications.
Please be advised that when utilizing the resources provided by 6do Encyclopedia, users must exercise due care and diligence with respect to the information contained therein. We expressly disclaim any and all legal liabilities arising from the use of such content.

Leak reveals Zelensky privately plots bold attacks inside Russia

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-14 03:13


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed provocative actions such as occupying Russian villages, bombing a pipeline that moves Russian oil to Hungary and firing long-range missiles to hit targets inside Russia’s borders, according to classified US intelligence documents detailing his internal communication with military leaders. The documents were intercepted digitally, providing a rare first-hand look at Zelensky’s deliberations amid Russian missile barrages, war crimes and infrastructure attacks. Zelensky has suggested going in a more audacious direction to gain leverage over Moscow, despite a public-facing image of being the calm and stoic statesman weathering Russia’s attacks. In all previous instances, Zelensky has prioritised targeting Russian forces inside Ukraine’s borders, rather than using the weapons they provide for attacks inside Russia.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/leak-reveals-zelensky-privately-plots-bold-attacks-inside-russia-20230514-p5d87l.html
Zelensky, in private, plots bold attacks inside Russia, leak shows

Washington Post

23-05-13 19:13


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed referring to military action involving the occupation of Russian villages, bombing a pipeline that transfers Russian oil to Hungary, and discussions about firing long-range missiles to hit targets inside Russia. Zelensky, who has rejected using weapons Western powers with which to attack Russia, instead advocates targeting Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders. Due to being carried out on a Discord messaging platform, the broader leak of US secrets, containing the details of Zelensky’s internal communications with leading military figures, has received constraint.

Some of the documents indicate that Zelensky exercises control over the ambition of subordinates, but in obvious instances, he is the one seeking dangerous military initiative. For instance, Zelensky suggested that Ukraine should occupy Russian border cities, proposing the strikes of Russia during a meeting in January with his military leadership. In February, Zelensky expressed his apprehension at Ukraine’s lack of long-range missiles that could target Russian troops in Russia. He even proposed using drones to attack unknown deployment locations in Rostov, which is situated in western Russia, during another classified document.

Though Western governments have reacted positively to Zelensky’s refusal to attack Russia with their provided weapons, the Ukrainian President proposes daring initiatives privately. Last week, Britain became the first Western nation to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, with a spokesman for the UK embassy highlighting the missile’s use within Ukrainian boundaries. Still, U.S. President Biden has spurned Zelensky’s request for long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) capable of hitting targets up to 185 miles away. Ukraine has pledged not to use U.S. weapons to attack Russia.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/13/zelensky-ukraine-war-leaked-documents/

‘Systemic difficulties’ hampered review of Canada’s cyberspy service: watchdog

The Toronto Star

23-05-13 10:00


Documents by Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) reveal “resisting and impeding” independent review by the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), which oversees foreign communications, including emails, phone calls and satellite transmissions, and protects Canadian computer systems from attacks. The watchdog agency, which replaced a previous body tasked with scrutinising the CSE in 2019, said months of delays by the spy agency in accessing data had marred its ability to review national security activities, adding that there was a “culture of resisting and impeding” efficient review activities. The CSE notified the press of progress in improving access to information.

https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/05/13/systemic-difficulties-hampered-review-of-canadas-cyberspy-service-watchdog.html
TikTok was ‘propaganda tool’ for Chinese Communist Party, lawsuit claims

Telegraph

23-05-12 19:38


According to a former executive, ByteDance implemented a committee of Communist Party members to "advance core Communist values," adding fresh allegations on the company. In a U.S. lawsuit, Yintao Yu, the head of engineering until November 2018, called the company a "useful propaganda tool for the Chinese Communist Party." The lawsuit comes on the eve of TikTok sponsoring the Eurovision song contest, a significant marketing push that will have part of its coverage broadcast exclusively on BBC via TikTok. This further fuels concerns that the app could be used as a propaganda tool for Beijing.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/05/12/tiktok-propaganda-tool-chinese-communist-party/
US, EU to Boost Security Tools as G-7 Eyes Economic Coercion

Bloomberg

23-05-12 15:31


The US and EU are expected to pledge to boost coordination on security measures such as export restrictions, the screening of outbound technologies and foreign investment controls to counter economic coercion from countries such as China, according to a draft of the Trade and Technology Council conclusions seen by Bloomberg. The two will commit to addressing these issues within the framework of the Group of Seven as well as the World Trade Organization. The statement reflects European and US concerns with the use of economic coercion to “induce or influence a foreign government into taking, or not taking, a decision or action in order to achieve a strategic political or policy objective".

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-12/us-eu-to-boost-security-tools-as-g-7-eyes-economic-coercion?srnd=next-china
Biden to travel to Australia despite US debt ceiling crisis

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 12:30


US President Joe Biden will visit Australia next week, amid uncertainty over negotiations to lift the debt ceiling in his country. The president will attend the first Quad security dialogue leaders’ summit in Australia, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also present. The leaders will discuss joint measures against issues such as illegal fishing vessels, a supply chain for critical minerals, and the climate crisis. Biden will speak to the Australian parliament and hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This trip marks the first visit of a US president to the country since 2014.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/biden-to-travel-to-australia-despite-us-debt-ceiling-crisis-20230516-p5d8un.html
Don’t Count China Out as a Peacemaker in Ukraine

Bloomberg

23-05-16 22:00


China’s decision to send envoy Li Hui to Europe indicates a change in the country’s position on the war in Ukraine that the US and its allies should aim to exploit. As a direct and deadly threat to Europe, Xi Jinping and his foreign policy advisers have found that the war has damaged Chinese interests, leading to strained ties between Brussels and Beijing. Creating peace could repair some of the damage that China has faced and ensure Europe remains strategically neutral in its rivalry with the US. The West should be encouraging deeper Chinese engagement in Ukraine and keeping China involved with peace efforts.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-05-16/us-shouldn-t-dismiss-china-s-ukraine-peace-bid?srnd=next-china
Biden Will Find That Breaking Up With China Is Hard to Do

Bloomberg

23-05-16 22:00


The Biden administration intends to prioritize a “precise, limited” approach to decoupling from China that will protect US interests in key areas while keeping the larger economic bonds between the two nations mostly intact. Washington will deploy financial sanctions and export controls to reshape the economic relationship if necessary, acting with key partners and allies if possible, but it will apply these tools narrowly to limit spillover into non-strategic areas. Some American lawmakers have criticized the Biden administration’s approach. China is also moving to reduce its vulnerability to US sanctions by establishing dominance in areas ranging from critical minerals to telecommunications.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-05-16/biden-s-economic-decoupling-plan-with-china-won-t-work?srnd=next-china
Montana Blocks TikTok in First Statewide Ban

Bloomberg

23-05-17 22:09


Montana's governor has signed a measure that will prevent the general public from downloading TikTok in the state from Jan 1 2024. This marks the first state-wide ban on the social media platform and will impose the broadest and strictest limitations of its use yet in response to widespread governmental concerns over the Chinese government's access to American users' personal data. While the ban will exempt some uses of TikTok, and would be voided if it were taken over by a company that is not incorporated in any foreign adversary country, the move from the state is likely to draw legal challenges.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-17/montana-to-block-tiktok-as-governor-signs-first-statewide-ban?srnd=next-china
Ukraine: The Latest - 'Putin's nuclear arsenal is null and void'

Telegraph

23-05-18 16:16


Overnight missile strikes against Ukraine by Russia failed, with the Ukrainian military stating it had shot down 29 Russian cruise missiles out of 30. The strikes targeted areas including Kyiv and the southern city of Odessa. The National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine has described Kyiv as "Putin's relentless and unachievable target". The council also claimed that the fact the hypersonic missiles have been neutralised so easily served "to burst the nuclear bubble."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/18/putins-nuclear-arsenal-is-null-and-void/
Trump Bashes ‘Pro-China’ Biden Even as US Stance Has Hardened

Bloomberg

23-05-18 23:00


Former US President Donald Trump has accused incumbent President Joe Biden of taking a "pro-China" stance as the issue of China's relationship with the US becomes a likely flashpoint in the 2022 presidential election. Trump has urged policies that would escalate the confrontation with China faster and further than Biden's current plans, accusing the president of keeping "a straitjacket that is certainly limiting their freedom of manoeuvre." Although there is now broad support for tariff policies against China, Biden's administration need to ensure they do not rope allies into a full-blown economic war to persuade them of the specific security concerns the tariffs address, experts warn.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-18/trump-attacks-biden-as-pro-china-vows-tougher-us-stance-in-white-house?srnd=next-china
Montana TikTok Ban Challenged in Court by Creators, Viewers

Bloomberg

23-05-18 22:45


A group of TikTok creators and viewers have filed a lawsuit against the state of Montana to challenge the first statewide ban of the popular app, arguing that it violates First Amendment rights under the Constitution. Montana's governor recently signed a measure that will prohibit the downloading of TikTok by the general public beginning next year, citing national security concerns. The complaint has been filed in federal court in Missoula, stating that the law "attempts to exercise powers over national security that Montana does not have and to ban speech Montana may not suppress."

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-18/montana-tiktok-ban-challenged-in-court-by-creators-viewers?srnd=next-china
What Does Effective National Security Look Like?

Heritage

23-05-19 03:33


Victoria Coates, senior advisor to the US Secretary of Energy under President Trump, is interviewed on The Kevin Roberts Show about effective national security policies. Coates suggests that the US has been the greatest force for good in human history and discusses that the country doesn't need to overthrow dictatorial regimes and impose democracy rather encourage, instruct, and be a good example. Coates also discusses the importance of seizing opportunities, flexibility, and not being wedded to rigid ideologies that cut you off from unorthodox solutions. She also notes the importance of historical perspective when dealing with human beings and the hallmark of being resilient.

Coates mentions the difficulty of figuring out the triangle of policy, communications, and politics and navigating it in a world where communications and information is flowing at such a rapid rate. She mentions that moral clarity, the clarity of vision, and purpose are also infectious, not just for the men and women who have the privilege of working for people like that, but also for the country and a group of free people around the planet who are going to respond to any American president who’s bold and has a clear vision and also has the ability to speak.


https://www.heritage.org/homeland-security/commentary/what-does-effective-national-security-look

Bakhmut bat­tle rages as Ukraine claims ad­vances, Russ­ian re­treat

Al Jazeera

23-05-19 03:21


Ukraine's military and a Russian mercenary group, the Wagner force, reported further Russian retreats around the city of Bakhmut as Kyiv pressed on with its biggest advance in the city for months ahead of a long-awaited counteroffensive. While Ukrainian forces have seized the “tactical initiative,” according to the Institute for the Study of War, the Russian defence ministry has denied Wagner's leader, who said the flanks of the city were disintegrating and that the regular forces were abandoning ground. The area, which was once home to 70,000 people in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, has been the focus of fighting for months.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/19/bakhmut-battle-rages-as-ukraine-claims-advances-russian-retreat
Micron-Japan Deal Counters China ‘Coercion,’ Rahm Emanuel Says

Bloomberg

23-05-19 02:47


Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, the US envoy to Japan, said Micron Technology's deal with Japan for financial aid to produce next-gen memory chips, has set a precedent for countering Beijing's "coercion", and shows that Japan and the US will act in unison to help secure supply chains from being targeted by China's coercion. The financial aid from Japan is reportedly worth around $1.5bn. China rejected those claims and accused the US of starting trade wars and bullying nations. Emanuel cited examples of China trying to intimidate companies, including US consultancy Bain & Company, Micron and Mintz Group. Discussions on how to respond to China's growing influence will feature at G7.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-19/micron-japan-deal-counters-china-coercion-rahm-emanuel-says?srnd=next-china
G7 tightens screws on Moscow as Zelenskyy set to visit Hiroshima

Japan Times

23-05-19 09:13


G7 leaders meeting in Hiroshima have pledged fresh measures to rein in Moscow’s “war machine”, hoping to increase the cost of the conflict for Russia and those supporting it. The bloc intends to tighten restrictions on Russia’s access to G7 economies and build on previous measures including export bans on items essential to Russia’s aggression, and the targeting of key sectors including manufacturing, construction, transportation and business services. The G7 will continue to pursue their demand for the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and equipment from Ukraine, whilst also reiterating their commitment to hit the assets of individuals connected to Moscow’s aggression.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/19/national/g7-new-russia-sanctions/
Ukraine’s Ze­len­skyy to at­tend G7 in Hi­roshi­ma to pres­sure Rus­sia

Al Jazeera

23-05-19 07:22


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend the G7 summit in Japan in person as the club of rich democracies seeks to ramp up pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Ukraine’s presidential office said it had told Japan’s Kyodo News a day earlier that Zelenskyy’s attendance had not been ruled out but would depend on the “situation on the battlefield”. G7 leaders are expected to announce new coordinated measures targeting Russia’s economy. It is anticipated the UK will ban the import of Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium and nickel and sanction 86 people and companies linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/19/ukraines-zelenskyy-to-attend-g7-in-hiroshima-to-pressure-russia
Ukraine’s Zelensky caps frenetic week of diplomacy with plans to appear in person at Japan’s G7 summit

CNN

23-05-19 07:02


President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has announced his intention to travel to Japan for the G7 summit. It will be his first visit since last February’s Russian invasion of Ukraine, and is seen as a sign of Western solidarity. The war is expected to dominate the summit, particularly as the nations will be discussing measures to stop Russia from funding the fighting and supplying its forces. Zelensky has this week visited European nations and secured promises of further military aid, including $3bn from Germany. Ukraine is expecting counterattacks from Russia, and hopes to purchase more modern fighter jets.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/19/asia/zelensky-ukraine-travel-japan-g7-intl-hnk/index.html
G7 nations unveil new sanctions against Russia

Deutsche Welle

23-05-19 06:58


The G7 is set to further tighten the screws on Russia with fresh sanctions over the conflict raging in Ukraine. Ahead of discussions between heads of state and government, the group laid wreaths at the Peace Park in the Japanese city of Hiroshima, scene of the first wartime atomic bombing in 1945. Each country from the group will make individual announcements. Britain said it was planning to target Russian diamonds, while US actions are set to include cutting off around 70 companies from Russia from doing business with America. European Council President Charles Michel also said the bloc is keen to limit trade in Russian diamonds.

https://www.dw.com/en/g7-nations-unveil-new-sanctions-against-russia/a-65673602