National security: theoretical and terminological aspects

The concept of national security refers to the key categories in the field of ensuring the state security and affects almost all areas of society. To clarify this term, the research analyzes the main theoretical underpinnings prevailing in the modern theory of national security. The author reviews the authoritative opinions of domestic and international theoreticians in this regard and proposes the original intentions. The shortcomings of the definitions under review are revealed. The author's interpretation of national security is presented. The studied term is a central paradigm in the theory of national security. This category is concept-based in view of setting and achieving national goals. The system-based method and the comparative legal analysis are applied. It is concluded that the concept of national security is a system-based, legal, evolving social phenomenon that provides an implementation of the pivotal national interests.