The Conceptual Assessment and Documentation օf Security Interests

In the contemporary context, Armenia’s national interests can be understood as a balanced integration of the interests of the Republic of Armenia’s citizens, Armenians residing in the homeland, and the wider Armenian diaspora. It is through the consolidation of these interests within the emerging competitive environment that the realisation of national objectives and the safeguarding of values—redefined as conscious societal imperatives— are effectively pursued. The main guarantee of an effective policy in the realisation of national interests is maintaining a balance between one’s own capabilities, ambitions, and objective realities, which may not fully satisfy a particular interest, serving only its vital and realistic part. The core of guaranteed satisfaction of vital national interests is a realistic assessment of the collective potential of state power and setting ‘realistic goals’ for it. When assessing national interests at the strategic level, particular emphasis is placed on security policy objectives, which must stem from a clear and precise articulation of interests. Methodologically, the formulation of a national security strategy involves distinguishing between two categories of desired outcomes: general (strategic and political) objectives and specific (concrete) objectives. The first category is of particular significance, as it reflects the priorities defined by the state’s political leadership and establishes the overarching direction of the strategy. Accordingly, strategic objectives must be both logically interconnected and realistically attainable, since the national security strategy serves as the primary framework through which the existing security environment is assessed and the national security policy system is aligned.