National Security Policy: Priority-Setting

The need for security is one of the most significant human needs. The article discusses the theoretical content of this phenomenon, analyzes the existing approaches to its study. It highlights the features of security as a public good, localized at the national-state and individual levels. The work notes difficulties in the compatibility of these levels with each other and their internal inconsistency. It is emphasized that the main actor of public security policy is the state, which defines a list of special institutions designed to meet the security needs of citizens. Using the securitization theory as a theoretical and methodological basis, the author defines the main levels of analysis and forms of perception of security, highlighting its internal and external varieties. By the example of correlating the concepts of the executor of the function and the manager of security services, the features of the functioning of activities to neutralize security threats at the state and local levels are revealed. The article also summarizes the results of a pilot sociological study conducted in May – June 2022 and devoted to the analysis of the perception of security threats at the individual level, which made it possible to identify socially significant priorities in ensuring security. Based on the theoretical analysis of security as a public good and the results of sociological research, the author formulates the principles of the organization of state policy in the field of security and gives recommendations for its improvement. It is concluded that a deep connection between internal and external security factors requires a well-coordinated and well-thought-out policy for their synchronization. At the same time, the state needs to pay more attention to internal risk factors, considering such important social spheres as education, health and culture as components of security policy.