Phase C - Build National Security and Justice Strategy

Where vision defines what the security and justice sector aspires to achieve and for what end, a strategy describes how we intend to achieve our aspirations from where we are now. National Security and Justice Strategies look at how to best marshal a country'ss resources and assets, including the budget set aside for this specific purpose, in order to achieve the goal of national security and justice. 

National Security Strategies (NSS) should be guided by the strategic vision outlined in the National Security Policy (NSP). NSSs should be based on the values, interests, threats to and needs of the country and ought to describe the methods to be used for meeting the objectives outlined in National Security Policy.

In cases where there is a lack of clear policy then NSS may be based on the interpretation of different elements of what may be considered National Security Policy, for example, white papers or political statements of intent.

Moreover, if a consultative process has not taken place in the development of the NSP (or if no formal or explicit NSP exists) then a broad consultation process (which should usually already take place at the NSP formulation stage) will have to be conducted to ensure that the perceptions, needs, concerns and values of society at large are first taken into account. As a strategy must be both proactive and reactive, the NSS should be continuously reviewed to ensure that it responds to both current and future needs and threats.

In principle, National Security Strategies could range from those that are explicitly internationalist to those that are more independent or even isolationist

1. Undertake Prior Assessment Of Strategic Context
2. Set Up Steering Committee (If Different From National Security Policy Steering Committee)
3. Conduct Further National Dialogue On The Means To Meet The Vision and Objectives Outlined In The NSP
4. Establish A National Security Forum Composed Of Representatives From Government and Academia To Exchange Ideas On Strategy Development 
5. Decide On Key Priorities, Lead Actors, Coordination Mechanisms, and Human and Financial Resource Needs
6. Draft the National Security Strategy