The National Security Council: An Organizational Assessment

by Richard A. Best Jr., Richard A. Fox Jr.

The National Security Council (NSC) was established by a statute in 1947 to create an interdepartmental body to offer advice to the President on all aspects of national security policy. Over the years, however, the NSC staff has emerged as a major factor in the formulation (and at times implementation) of national security policy. The organisation and influence of the NSC have varied significantly from one administration to another, from a highly structured and formal system to loose-knit teams of experts. This book offers a concise overview of the creation, history and function of the National Security Council within the US government.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001