It is widely accepted that Portugal needs to relaunch a Strategic Planning Cycle. Regardless of the genuineness of the cycle undertaken in 2013, it is clear that the current political and strategic context is vastly different. This highlights an anomalous view in Portugal regarding internal and external security, failing to treat them as two sides of the same coin. Consequently, the 1976 Constitution fosters a singular and reductive understanding of the Armed Forces' role in National Security, preventing the creation of a comprehensive National Security Strategic Concept. While previous National Defence Strategic Concepts focused heavily on NATO, the focus must now shift towards the EU, acknowledging that being a strong EU partner is essential to being a reliable NATO ally. It is desirable for all relevant government departments to develop their own strategic concepts based on general National Defence guidelines, moving Portugal toward a 'Total Defence' model similar to other European nations. In the military domain, re-equipment options must be considered in light of the unified nature of the National Force System.
For a National Strategy
Thursday, 2 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte or OTAN) is a 32-member alliance facing pressure to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes. Disagreement among members regarding this military involvement has led to warnings about the organization's future stability. Portugal has been a member since NATO's founding in 1949 and hosts a major Joint Force Command in Oeiras.
