| How can multiple advocacy be strengthened in the National Security Council, (NSC)? To answer this question, I first explain what multiple advocacy is and how the NSC functions. Next I describe the role of the NSC in US national security policymaking, and I explain the benefits of multiple advocacy in the NSC. I identify three key factors for evaluating multiple advocacy and then using those factors (broadly conceived as individuals, relationships, and process) I use a comparative case study model to analyze the NSC under National Security Advisors Henry Kissinger (1968-1975) and Condoleezza Rice (2001-2005). Drawing conclusions from the case studies, I offer four suggestions on ways to strengthen multiple advocacy which include the adoption of an honest broker role by the NSA, the institutionalization of two additional forms of advocacy including devil’s and resourcing, and the establishment of an annual NSC review process. I conclude that the key goal is creating a culture of multiple advocacy in the NSC, which is shaped by the honest broker role of the NSA in combination with the personalities and relationships of the president and principals. Understanding the conditions in which multiple advocacy was created in the NSC and under which conditions it was effective should help guide future presidents and advisors to better coordinate and execute US national security policy. |
