THEORETICAL APPROACH TO THE DEFENSE CONCEPTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NATO DEFENSE CONCEPT

Abstract

The contemporary security environment is characterized by increasingly complex and multidimensional threats that challenge traditional approaches to defense. In this context, the Republic of North Macedonia, as a NATO member state, faces the need to align its national defense requirements with the principles and obligations of collective defense. This paper examines the theoretical basis and rationale for developing a modern national defense concept for the Republic of North Macedonia within the context of NATO’s defense concept. The research is based on a theoretical and comparative analysis of academic literature and strategic and defense documents, with particular emphasis on distinguishing between the concepts of concept and conception, as well as on the key elements of contemporary defense. The analysis demonstrates that a concept represents an abstract intellectual model, whereas a conception constitutes a broader framework that integrates concepts, principles, strategic objectives, institutional capabilities, and available resources into a coherent system oriented towards practical action. The analysis of NATO’s contemporary defense concept identifies collective defense, deterrence, national defense capabilities, resilience, and the whole-of-society approach as interconnected elements of contemporary defense (NATO, 2022, 2024, 2025).The findings further indicate that the Republic of North Macedonia has a National Security and Defense Concept adopted in 2003, as well as other strategic and defense documents; however, the existing strategic framework does not provide a modern, integrated, and updated national defense concept that systematically brings together strategic objectives, institutional capabilities, and societal resources in accordance with the contemporary security environment and the obligations arising from NATO membership (Ministry of Defense, 2003, 2020, 2023).The research also identifies the country’s historical experience related to mobilization, resistance, and self-organization as a potential national resource that could contribute to the development of a modern defense concept. The findings indicate that a modern national defense concept should not be understood as an alternative to NATO collective defense, but rather as a complementary national framework for integrating national capabilities and resources with the obligations and standards of the Alliance. The paper concludes that the development and updating of such a concept represents a justified and necessary direction for strengthening the coherence, effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the defense system of the Republic of North Macedonia. Further research should focus on its practical implementation, institutional structure, coordination mechanisms, and the integration of national resources within NATO’s collective defense system.