PECULIARITIES OF THE CONCEPTUAL APPROACH TO STRATEGIC PLANNING IN THE SPHERE OF NATIONAL SECURITY: EXPERIENCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the experience of strategic planning in the field of national security of the United States of America, which is considered one of the most developed and structured in the world. The historical evolution of this process is considered, its key stages and factors that influenced the formation of the modern US approach to national security are identified. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the conceptual principles underlying the American model of strategic planning and their adaptation to changes in the international security situation. The essence and content of the basic categorical concepts of «state policy» and «strategy» in the field of security are revealed, and the features of their interpretation in the scientific discourse of the United States are highlighted. The interrelation of these concepts is emphasized, where policy determines the general goals and directions of state actions, and strategy formulates the means of achieving these goals in specific conditions. Various approaches of American researchers to the interpretation of these concepts and their role in the formation of an effective national security system are analyzed. The structure of strategic planning in the United States is outlined, including an analysis of the mechanisms for developing, coordinating, and implementing strategic documents. The functions of key actors in the formation of state policy and strategy in the security sector are determined, in particular, the National Security Council, the Pentagon, Congress, think tanks, and the executive branch. The processes of interagency interaction and their importance for ensuring the unity of strategic vision and actions are highlighted. The procedures for preparing strategic documents, in particular, the US National Security Strategy, its role in shaping the general course of security policy, as well as methods for classifying strategies by levels and areas of action are studied. The legislative foundations of strategy are analyzed, in particular, the significance of the National Security Act of 1947, which initiated the modern strategic management system, and the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986, which radically reformed the structure of defense planning and laid the foundation for interagency coordination. The key principles of strategic thinking inherent in the American model are revealed, in particular, the emphasis on a clear distinction between political goals (what exactly needs to be done) and the implementation strategy (how to do it). The views of leading American scholars and practitioners are analyzed, who emphasize the need to take into account national interests, assess risks and threats, as well as achieve synergy between all actors in the security and defense sector. The effectiveness of the existing strategy system in the United States is assessed, in particular its advantages, such as institutional stability, transparency, scientific validity and the involvement of think tanks. At the same time, a number of shortcomings are indicated, including excessive bureaucratization, insufficient flexibility to new threats, the complexity of integrating actions at the tactical level, and political influences that can weaken strategic unity.