National Security Policy Decision-Making: The Case for Doctrine and Training

Developing, executing and supervising national security strategy and policy requires coherence, consistency, and synchronization. Constitutional checks and balances make the effort to achieve these standards a complex task. The National Security Council (NSC), as outlined in Presidential Decision Directive 2 dated 20 January 1993, does a very good job gathering proponents for key elements of national power and setting general guidelines for their interaction in pursuit of effective policy within Constitutional strictures. Very good may be the best for which one can hope in a system created to diffuse power, but protection and furtherance of national interests in an increasingly small, interconnected world demands we try to do better. Practical theory for executive branch decision-making that increases rigor and synchronization within the restrictions imposed by intergovernmental separation of powers is absolutely vital. To be durable as well as practical, theory must have the flexibility to account for varied presidential managerial style. Combined with formal training of both political appointees and government employees in national security matters and procedures, practical theory will result in better and more coherent national security strategy and policies.