National Economic Security in the 21st Century: Conceptual Outlines and Practical Frameworks

This study is a theoretical investigation of the National Economic Security (NES) phenomenon in the 21 st century. It provides a comprehensive, strategic and dynamic conceptual model designed to empower policymakers in any country with the knowledge for understanding, and assessing the state of NES. The proposed Practical Frameworks operationalize the conceptual model, from which it derives, for real-world use, and help practitioners to develop their own country-specific analysis and develop tailored solutions. The method of research is multidisciplinary. It draws on and combines security studies, theory of international relations, economics, and economic policies, plus the subcategorization methodology. The study leads to the conclusion that the traditional approaches to NES concepts in Canada, U.S. and other leading economies, are predominantly static, protective, partial, lacking a systemic and strategic vision and as such – not as effective as they could be. Based on these findings a new holistic conceptual model for the NES is proposed and practical frameworks are developed. The key topics discussed are the NES concept’s Characteristics, Elements, Aspects, Desired Outcomes, and Components plus the NES Policy. Culmination of this paper’s exploration is the proposal for a new NES concept - Comprehensive and Dynamic NES, as the appropriate conceptual approach to navigate the future of national economic security.