Estonia’s security policy is based on a broad security concept,2 which includes all trends and fields relevant to maintaining security. Estonia implements the broad security concept following the principles of society as a whole and government as whole. To maintain national sovereignty and its continuity, the goal of Estonian security policy is to prevent and pre-empt threats, as well as counter them quickly and flexibly, should the need arise. Estonia will defend itself in any case, no matter how overwhelming the opponent might be. If the state temporarily loses control over a part of its territory, Estonian citizens will engage in organised resistance in that area. Estonia controls and defends its territory, territorial sea, peripheral bodies of water, air space and cyber space and is responsible for their safety. Estonian security is guaranteed by the membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union, as well as close cooperation with allies and other international partners. Estonia regards its own security and that of its allies as indivisible: the factors that influence the security of allies also affect Estonia and vice versa. Estonia contributes to NATO and the EU, in order to strengthen the solidarity of member states, counter the security threats in different regions, and improve the defence capability of member states. NATO’s collective defence provides credible deterrence and defence for Estonia. Being a part of the European Union’s common political, legal and economic space, which is based on member states’ trust, cooperation and shared values, strengthens Estonia’s security. Estonia follows comprehensive national defence concept,3 which involves both military and nonmilitary capabilities, activities and resources from the public and private sectors and civil society. To facilitate consistent and effective functioning of national defence Estonia develops six pillars: military defence, the civilian support for military defence, international action, domestic and internal security, maintenance of the continuous operation of the state and society, and psychological defence. Estonia’s defence is based on initial individual defence system and NATO’s collective defence. Estonian security is strengthened by a cohesive civil society, in which its citizens’ awareness and activity plays an important role in promoting security and safety. Estonia’s security is strongest in a tolerant, caring and participatory society. 2. SECURITY ENVIRONMENT The international security environment is tense. Threats and risks that emerged in connection with globalisation still exist and their influence has somewhat sharpened. The number of conflicts has not decreased; there are several conflict zones in Europe and its vicinity; a number 2 Broad security concept—Security is understood as the ability of a state and its people to defend its intrinsic values and objectives from various external political, military, economic and social threats and risks and their combined impact, as well as the capability to neutralise those threats and risks. In order to achieve this, national and non-state bodies and resources that have participated in shaping and maintaining a stable and peaceful environment are employed in a coordinated manner. 3 Comprehensive national defence concept (riigikaitse lai käsitus in Estonian)—This term is used instead of the earlier Estonian term laiapindne riigikaitse as proposed by the Committee on Security and Defence Policy Terminology created upon the initiative of the Estonian Ministry of Defence. Comprehensive national defence is a part of the broad security concept. 3