ABSTRACT
National security is a (relatively) new category of political and legal theory. However, it has historical roots that are essential to its understanding. This chapter traces the development of its conceptual precursors over many centuries in an attempt to elucidate the fundamental characteristics of this aspect of social organisation and administration. It suggests that national security was designed to protect rulers rather than citizens, and that the law was used as part of the arsenal in the hands of those who governed.
