What is the primary purpose of the National Security Strategy (NSS)?

The primary purpose of the National Security Strategy (NSS) is to define the President's vision for U.S. national security. The NSS serves as a comprehensive framework that articulates the nation's overarching goals and priorities concerning security, foreign policy, and national interests. It integrates various aspects of national security, including political, economic, and military dimensions, to provide a strategic direction that guides the development of initiatives and policies across government agencies.

By outlining the President's strategic vision, the NSS ensures a unified approach to securing the nation’s interests and addressing global challenges. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different entities within the government while communicating to both domestic and international audiences the U.S. priorities and commitments.

In contrast, while outlining military approaches, providing specific military guidance, or detailing intelligence methods may play roles in security operations, these functions are more specific subsets of broader strategic goals articulated in the NSS.