SECURITY
Key findings
How well do states respond to security threats both old and new?
Security policy scores are weighted composites. Three qualitative policy assessments [ 
] each contribute one-sixth of this weighting, with two quantitative measures [ 
] each contributing an additional one-fourth.
Scores and methodology
] each contribute one-sixth of this weighting, with two quantitative measures [ ] each contributing an additional one-fourth. Scores and methodology
SecurityKey findings: Security policy
Each 
represents an individual country and is positioned on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (best). Position cursor over to see scores for individual countries.
Click country name in list or text for details.
represents an individual country and is positioned on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (best). Position cursor over to see scores for individual countries.Click country name in list or text for details.
Score distribution
9.4
1
9.0
2
9.0
8.9
4
8.7
5
8.5
6
8.4
7
8.3
8
8.3
8.3
8.3
The countries in this top group typically ensure external security though strong international cooperation, and maintain good internal security.
The majority of European countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany) work closely together in NATO and the European Union's defense policy. Denmark opts out of EU defense participation, while the German public remains skeptical of military operations.
Sweden, Switzerland and Austria remain neutral, but participate in UN peacekeeping missions, and collaborate with NATO. NATO membership is also key for other nations with relatively low military expenditure (New Zealand, Canada, Norway).
The Scandinavian countries, New Zealand and Belgium contribute high levels of development aid. France's domestic security has been troubled by persistent social unrest.
The majority of European countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany) work closely together in NATO and the European Union's defense policy. Denmark opts out of EU defense participation, while the German public remains skeptical of military operations.
Sweden, Switzerland and Austria remain neutral, but participate in UN peacekeeping missions, and collaborate with NATO. NATO membership is also key for other nations with relatively low military expenditure (New Zealand, Canada, Norway).
The Scandinavian countries, New Zealand and Belgium contribute high levels of development aid. France's domestic security has been troubled by persistent social unrest.
8.1
12
8.0
13
7.9
14
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.8
18
7.8
7.7
20
International cooperation is a hallmark of the middle group too, but more often including alliances with the United States and military participation in Iraq. Regional tensions are an issue.
While other relationships are important, several states depend deeply on the United States as an ally (Ireland, Japan, Portugal, South Korea, Australia, UK). Many (Netherlands, Japan, Portugal, the UK, South Korea, Australia) joined the U.S.-led Iraq invasion
Japan, South Korea and Greece face tensions with neighboring countries. Greece and South Korea have very high military spending levels.
Finland is allied with the EU, but has eschewed NATO membership. The Netherlands faces growing internal danger from organized crime.
While other relationships are important, several states depend deeply on the United States as an ally (Ireland, Japan, Portugal, South Korea, Australia, UK). Many (Netherlands, Japan, Portugal, the UK, South Korea, Australia) joined the U.S.-led Iraq invasion
Japan, South Korea and Greece face tensions with neighboring countries. Greece and South Korea have very high military spending levels.
Finland is allied with the EU, but has eschewed NATO membership. The Netherlands faces growing internal danger from organized crime.
7.6
21
7.5
22
7.4
23
7.4
7.2
25
7.1
26
6.9
27
4.8
28
4.7
29
3.3
30
This group suffers from a number of problems, often associated with high crime rates or a lack of resources dedicated to external security.
Crime, whether organized or simply endemic, is a concern issue in many states (Hungary, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Mexico, U.S.). Incarceration rates in the United States are by far the OECD's highest.
Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic depend on NATO and EU membership, but have had difficulties meeting their alliance commitments. Spain's military is underfunded.
Though a NATO member, Iceland's defense policy was shaken by the withdrawal of a locally situated NATO base.
Turkey's military is politically powerful, and armed ethnic unrest remains a serious concern.
Crime, whether organized or simply endemic, is a concern issue in many states (Hungary, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Mexico, U.S.). Incarceration rates in the United States are by far the OECD's highest.
Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic depend on NATO and EU membership, but have had difficulties meeting their alliance commitments. Spain's military is underfunded.
Though a NATO member, Iceland's defense policy was shaken by the withdrawal of a locally situated NATO base.
Turkey's military is politically powerful, and armed ethnic unrest remains a serious concern.
Rationale
A globalized world has complicated efforts to ensure internal and external security, as governments must cooperate with others to protect their citizens.
This criterion assesses three aspects of national security. It evaluates how effectively policy protects citizens against external risks and safeguards the national interest (external security), and how well citizens are protected against internal security risks (internal security).
It also examines how governments respond to new security risks through adaption and self-correction, and by showing a willingness and capacity to cooperate with reliable international partners (new security policy).
Performance comparison
Use drop-down menus for selections. In all cases, higher scores reflect better performance.
