Press Release

U.S. Government Shares Advice on Developing a National Security Strategy and Media and Security

The U.S. Embassy and the Africa Center for Strategic  Studies invited the media participate in a topical symposium on Developing a National Security Strategy and Media and Security at 09h00 on Friday, February 27, 2009 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.

A national security strategy is nothing more than a rational way in which society mobilizes all of its assets and resources to protect its interests.  Some might question the relevance of national security strategies in African countries, and argue that resources will never be equal to the task.  But good strategy is even more useful to resource-weak and threatened countries than to rich, secure ones.  Strategy gives societies the option of shaping the future rather than simply reacting to it.  National security is more than just military security, of course, and the “shaping” process is directed at a range of issues and conditions that a society would want to influence.

Military-media relations change significantly as a country moves from authoritarianism to democracy.  The military must reach out to elected officials and the public in order to secure adequate financial and political support.  Most defense initiatives—especially a decision to put troops in harm’s way—require not only large expenditures supported by tax dollars, but also the risk of citizens’ lives.  Several dilemmas arise, including how to balance the public’s right to know with the military’s need for secrecy.

The symposium will be presented by Mr. Clifford H. Bernath, Director, Community Outreach and Public Affairs, Africa Center for Strategic Studies.  He conducts media symposia and distinguished lecturers series on US-Africa policy and security related issues.   Prior to joining ACSS, Mr. Bernath served as Director of Conflict Resolution and Prevention for Refugees International.  He focused on African peace-keeping  operations as a means of preventing and shortening armed conflicts.  

Mr. Bernath is a retired Army officer.  His overseas assignments included Vietnam and Turkey.  He is currently a career Senior Executive Service (SES) employee with the Department of Defense.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Kansas State University.  He is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA.

For more information, please contact Public Affairs Officer, Ray Castillo, at 0811280816, or Information Specialist, Roger Lyners, at 229-801 [ext. 226].