The National Security Strategy in the Current Environment: from DIME to a DIME-T Approach

The contemporary security environment is characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA), the use of hybrid warfare and grey zone conflicts, generating the need to adapt the national security strategies to the changes demands of the environment. In this context, the instruments of national power (diplomatic, information, economic, military) should be used in an integrated manner, in order to provide a more comprehensive approach to national security. The technology has become an integral part of the life of the society, and as such it should be taken into consideration as an instrument of power and highlighted as a major component of a national security strategy. The paper proposes a DIME-T approach to national instruments of power, by analysing the complex implications of technology on all the areas of security.