national security
National security is the ability of a nation to protect and defend their citizens. According to the U.S Department of Justice - Justice Manual , national security is also an umbrella term that includes "national defense, intelligence and counterintelligence, international and internal security, and foreign relations ." This includes countering terrorism ; combating espionage and economic espionage conducted for the benefit of any foreign government, foreign instrumentality, or foreign agent ; enforcing export controls and sanctions ; and disrupting cybersecurity threats that are perpetrated by nation states, terrorists, or their agents or proxies. Numerous agencies play a role in ensuring the national security of the United States.
See also: This United Nations article on National Security versus Global Security
[Last reviewed in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team ]
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