DRAFT [NATIONAL MILITARY STRATEGY] 1. NATIONAL SECURITY CONTEXT The security environment of Georgia is complex and dynamic. Numerous challenges still face the country first and foremost conditioned by the occupation Georgia`s territory and the risk of reigniting a conflict. This continuous to threaten security of both Georgia and region and hinders country`s stable development. Therefore, the main national and security policy objective of Georgia is to end this occupation and allow the peaceful restoration of its territorial integrity. Achieving this objective is further supported by the steps undertaken in consolidation of democratic reforms and the continuation of the Western path of development. Georgia pursues a friendly neighbourhood policy with great attention paid to making a substantial contribution to strengthen regional and international peace and stability. Georgia is the largest contributor to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission among non-NATO and partner countries. Additionally, integration into NATO and the European Union is one of the key priorities of country`s foreign and security policy. In support of this political objective, the GAF will continue bilateral and multilateral cooperation and participation in international multinational exercises and operations. Based on the “National Security Concept” and the “Threat Assessment Document for 2013-2016”, the NMS recognises following major risks and threats:  Occupation of Georgian Territory – the occupation of Georgian territory by the Russian Federation undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and represents a major source of destabilisation. The absence of international peacekeeping forces on the occupied territory and its militarization increases the risks of provocations and military aggression.  Regional Instability – the instability in the Caucasus has a negative impact on the security of the region. The possible spill-over of those conflicts to Georgia and potential humanitarian crisis poses a threat not only to the conflict parties, but Georgia as well.  Transnational Threats – Globalisation facilitates the growth of influence and scope in international crime. International terrorism and transnational organized crime pose a threat to the global security and safety of individual countries. The continued occupation of Georgian territory creates a favourable environment for international terrorism and transnational organized crime. There is also a risk of using occupied territory for such illegal activities as; smuggling, human and drug trafficking, illicit trade of arms and weapons of mass destruction.  Cyber Threats – cyber threats are one of the major challenges to the modern world. The cyber attacks against Georgia during the Russian-Georgian war of 2008 highlighted the need to increase the quality of cyber defence. 3 National Security Context |