The Challenges of Strategic Communications for National Security

Abstract

National security is at the core every nation’s national interest, policy direction and relations with other nations. Hence, nations communicate their intentions and actions to both its citizens and the global community. At times of peace, crisis or war, nations have the obligation to inform their people and the international community on their actions or decisions with the aim of persuading, promoting national interest and policy, influence expected behaviour and public perception or opinion, counter propaganda, misinformation, and extremist narratives, strengthening national unity at times of crises, supporting intelligence and diplomatic operations in alignment with the nation’s security strategy. However, this onerous responsibility is not only constitutional but morally and diplomatically necessary to achieve success at all times (peace, crisis and war). This article focuses on the challenges of achieving strategic communication in the quest to ensure national security. The components and objectives of Strategic Communications for National Security are discussed as well as The Challenges of the Media as a Watchdog of Security Sector. Media ownership, securitization, dumbing down, Judicial deference, lack of synergy and trust between security and media institutions were identified as some of the major challenges of the media as a watchdog of security sector. Overcoming these challenges requires the concerted efforts of the security and media institutions to collaborate in the spirit of patriotism and professionalism for the national security.