Defense Alternatives for the Small Nations

What ever the size and the strength of any nation, her foremost worry is the national security. In the present time there are around 159 independent nations. Few of these nations are superpowers, some are big nations, but the majority are small nations. In response to their security needs, many of the small nations raise armies for the defense against foreign threat. But, in many cases, such armies become a burden and render operationally ineffective. Mainly, such ineffectiveness is related to a weakness in any of the main elements of the national power, which is not caterred for in defense planning. Through an assessment of the elements of national power, this research provide guidelines for the defense planning of the small nations. Defense alternatives for different categories of the small nations are also suggested. These alternatives are based on the strengths and weaknesses of the main elements of national power.