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United States National Security Council

The United States National Security Council (NSC) is the principal forum used by the president of the United States for consideration of national security, military, and foreign policy matters. Based in the White House, it is part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States, and composed of senior national security advisors and Cabinet officials.

Not to be confused with United States Homeland Security Council.

Since its inception in 1947 by President Harry S. Truman, the function of the Council has been to advise and assist the president on national security and foreign policies. It also serves as the president's principal arm for coordinating these policies among various government agencies. The Council has subsequently played a key role in most major events in U.S. foreign policy, from the Korean War to the War on Terror.


The NSC has counterparts in the national security councils of many other nations.

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Official National Security Council website

History of the NSC from the White House

in the National Archives

Records of the National Security Council (NSC)

White House Office, National Security Council Staff Papers, 1948–1961, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library

Homeland Security Watch (www.HLSwatch.com) provides current details on the NSC as it pertains to homeland security.

at Project Gutenberg

Works by United States National Security Council

at Internet Archive

Works by or about United States National Security Council