This article presents a comparative study of national security strategies adopted by large and small states in the context of an evolving global security architecture. While great powers such as the United States, China, and Russia rely on global projection, military dominance, and ideological influence, small states develop flexible and adaptive approaches grounded in innovation, diplomacy, and regional cooperation. The analysis highlights key patterns in strategic thinking: the U.S. emphasis on forward deterrence and technological superiority, China’s comprehensive security model with geopolitical and internal dimensions, and Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics aimed at destabilizing neighboring regions. At the same time, smaller states like Estonia, Singapore, Israel, Rwanda, and others use asymmetrical strategies focused on cyber resilience, civil-military integration, and total defense concepts. Special attention is given to Ukraine’s transformation after 2022, which illustrates a shift from deterrence to full-scale societal mobilization under existential threat. The article argues that security is increasingly shaped by non-military instruments, including digital infrastructure, public cohesion, strategic communication, and institutional partnerships. Through a cross-regional lens, the study reveals how national security strategies do not merely respond to global trends but actively influence the distribution of power and stability. The interaction between major, middle, and small states contributes to the emergence of a multipolar security landscape where traditional military force is only one of several factors shaping international relations in the 21st century.
Roman KOZACHENKO (Tue,) studied this question.