ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the theoretical background of domestic credibility and provides a framework for its analysis. It examines some theoretical points for the concept of domestic credibility. National security has traditionally been approached in terms of the capability of a state. This conventional approach focuses on how and to what extent a national government builds its capability in relation to perceived threats and probable risks. The linkage between domestic politics and security policy has been widely examined by the International Relations and security literature. Capability in national security is a question of military power, economic resources, intelligence and information competence and it is expressed in terms of material supremacy over other countries. Domestic credibility can be created, modified or lost by the government or the policy processes that influence perceptions and attitudes of the public. The national government seeks domestic support for ‘removing enemies’ by the creation of an aggressive public.
