Analysis of Croatian Security Policy Goals

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the features of Croatian security policy goals to determine to what extent they are being transformed in accordance with global trends. To this end, the paper combines ideas and insights from international relations and security studies with public policy theory, which is a very
rare approach globally as well as in Croatia. The paper elaborates on the main concepts which are being utilised: diverse understandings of the concept of security, the definition of vital national interests, and what constitutes policy design and policy goals as the main design element. The empirical part of the research
is based on a qualitative content analysis of five strategic Croatian government documents. Coding is structured on categories related to the topic of the goals, but also to the level of their abstraction, orientation, prioritisation, and the understanding of security they incorporate. The main finding of the paper is that Croatian security policy goals are very diverse and that their diversity continues to grow over time. Based on the findings, it can be said that the Croatian security policy has a multisectoral and multilevel approach, at least with reference to its goals, and is thus fully in line with global trends. However, the findings also indicate that Croatian security policy goals are being very poorly operationalised, i.e., that the policy is marked by a low quality of design, which is an obstacle for the implementation of its multisectoral character.