The nation-state, national security and resilience in the age of globalisation

Abstract

This article explores the evolving role of sovereign governments in the provision of security in an increasingly complex and uncertain global world (in which the demand for security is increasing, whilst simultaneously the capability of the nation-states to manage it is being challenged) and the concept of resilience as a strategy to meet these challenges. In order to analyse the rise of resilience, national security and national resilience strategies from a number of countries are examined. It argues that whilst national resilience features prominently in national security strategies, its definition and goals remain ambiguous. Moreover, whilst resilience can be a pragmatic approach to security challenges, its relationship with national security and the state's responsibility as security provider requires further clarification. The article aims to contribute to the emerging discourse around the concept of national resilience, as well as to the identification of policies and practices required for establishing a strategic approach to national resilience.