With a confused and ambiguous nature and aim, and lacking rigorous methodology, thinking in preparation for the White Paper on defence and national security has obscured the scope and complexity of the work required to produce a comprehensive national security policy. This would, among other things, look at the phenomena that risk fuelling national disintegration, and take advantage of the armed forces’ potential for improving social and cultural cohesion. But of course to do that they need greater visibility on the national landscape.