THE PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT Security is one of the basic pillars of an open and democratic society such as Spain’s, and an essential condition for its prosperity and progress. The purpose of the National Security Policy, which is ultimately legitimized by the constitutional order, is to guarantee this public service. The strategic dimension, embodied in the National Security Strategy, is central to its work. The 2017 National Security Strategy, the successor to that of 2013 and to the Spanish Security Strategy of 2011, is backed by a broad political consensus. This support once again gives voice to the need for continuity in national security, as a State policy. In addition to parliamentary backing, it is noteworthy that the present document includes contributions from experts from the world of academia, the private sector and civil society in general; reaffirming that national security is the responsibility of the Government, that it requires the involvement of public authorities, and that it concerns us all. An exercise in strategic reflection of such importance reminds us that, to lead events and anticipate challenges, the ongoing improvement of both forward-looking and responsive instruments is required. Only in this way can we perform an accurate diagnosis of our security environment, and of the threats and challenges deriving from it. This environment has changed significantly since the approval of the 2013 Strategy. The reality we are facing is defined by dynamics that are frequently at odds with each other: A globalized world, which is at the same time divided and competitive, a space in which ambiguity has become one of the greatest security challenges. Dynamics such as the rapid pace of change driven by technology, the demographic asymmetries between regions, and climate change call for efforts to adapt to and manage changes in an agile and flexible manner. Transnational terrorism and cyberattacks continue to be one of the main security challenges. They are accompanied by the so-called hybrid threats, a combination of conventional and unconventional threats aimed at destabilizing our way of life, and whose identification and attribution are particularly complex. In addition to global challenges, there are other, internal threats to our territorial integrity and constitutional values. The response of a State governed by the rule of law is, without question, the best means of safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all our citizens.