National Security Strategy: A Crucial Step for Italy's Future

On June 16, 2025, a significant conference was held at Montecitorio with the participation of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, for the presentation of the report "For a National Security Strategy". The event represented a fundamental moment to reflect on Italy's national security, not only as a response to immediate threats but as a long-term project involving the entire nation.

An Act of Responsibility for Italy's Future

During his speech, Minister Crosetto emphasized that the National Security Strategy is not simply a technical document nor a plan limited to the duration of a legislature. He defined the strategy as an "act of responsibility", as it not only responds to present challenges but offers a collective reflection on our being a Nation, on our place in the world, and on the future we want to build. Crosetto stressed the importance of a political vision that projects Italy as a credible, responsible actor guided by ethics in its global position.

"The National Security Strategy is an act that embodies and projects into the world what Italy is and what it intends to continue to represent: a credible, responsible actor guided by an ethical vision", declared the Minister, highlighting that national security concerns not only the protection of physical borders but the safeguarding of the "pillars of our prosperity", which include good governance, social cohesion, and the well-being of citizens.

Crosetto also emphasized how this strategy represents a long-term vision, capable of protecting the values that define Italy, building a "fertile ground" for future generations. "It will be an act of responsibility towards our history, towards what we are today, and towards what we intend to become", he concluded.

The Participation of Institutions and Experts

The conference was also attended by the President of the Chamber, Lorenzo Fontana, who contributed his insights on the political implications of national security, and Luciano Violante, President of the Association of Probable Futures, who reflected on the importance of human capital in building solid security. Giovanna Iannantuoni, President of the Conference of Italian University Rectors, delivered a Lectio Magistralis, recalling the crucial role of research and education in defending the nation and defining effective security policies.

The Concept of National Security: A Multidimensional Approach

The conference, while focusing on the presentation of the report, also provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of the concept of national security, which today goes far beyond the mere protection of territory from external threats. As highlighted by Crosetto, the security strategy must not only address current issues but must look to the future, reflecting on how Italy can respond to global challenges that concern it.

National security, in fact, is not limited to military defense but embraces a broader vision that includes economic, social, energy, and cyber threats. Since the end of World War II, national security has evolved from a purely military vision, focused on territorial protection, to a more complex and integrated understanding that recognizes the interconnection between different strategic sectors.

The Sectoral Model of National Security

In the context of the national security strategy, it is essential to understand the different dimensions in which a state's security is articulated. These threats can be divided into three main sectors:

• Political-Military Security: Threats arising from armed conflicts, terrorism, unconventional wars, and other geopolitical issues. These are the most traditional threats, but their evolution is affected by global changes and the emergence of new non-state actors.
• Economic Security: Protecting the national economy is essential to ensure prosperity. Public debt, resource management, protection of vital infrastructures, and balancing military spending with welfare are crucial economic challenges.
• Energy Security: With the growing need for natural resources and increasing dependence on external suppliers, energy security has become a key element. Protecting energy infrastructures and diversifying supply sources are fundamental for maintaining national security.

These sectors are not separate but interconnected. Threats in one sector often reflect on others, as in the case of cyberattacks that can have devastating impacts on economic, military, and energy sectors. The "security chain" describes precisely these interconnections, which require an integrated and multidimensional response.

The Red Zone of National Interests

The concept of the "red zone" of national interests, as defined by Barry Buzan, represents the area where a state must focus its efforts to protect its fundamental values. The red zone is not static and varies according to a state's power and capabilities. Superpowers have a global red zone, while smaller powers focus on regional threats, although globalization has extended the reach of these threats.

The projection of power, particularly through "smart power", which combines coercive and diplomatic capabilities, is essential to address external and internal threats and to protect national interests.

Conclusions: A Vision for Italy's Future

The conference on "For a National Security Strategy" represented a crucial step in outlining the future vision of security for Italy. The strategy, presented by Minister Crosetto, emphasized that national security is not just a reaction to present threats but an investment in future generations. It reflects a collective responsibility and a deep reflection on what Italy is today and what it wants to become in the international context.

National security must be conceived in an integrated manner, recognizing interconnected threats in various sectors and ensuring a response consistent with constitutional values and the prospect of a prosperous and secure future. In this context, the participation of institutions, experts, and universities is fundamental to building a strategic vision that protects the pillars of our prosperity, preparing us to respond to global challenges with determination, responsibility, and social cohesion.