The Concept of Economic Development-A Pillar of National Security

Abstract

The article relates to the existing connection between the economic development concept and the national security,
stating the fact that a healthy economic development insures an economic and social security, promoting the
national interest in sustaining the democratic institutions, therefore leading to the development of prosperity and
national security. The economic development, implying economic growth, is a multidimensional concept, supporting
the idea of change and transformation of economic structures, moreover the idea of increased standard of living and
increased quality of living. Agreeing with the economist Francois Perroux, we state the idea that no progress should
be called economic or social progress if it diminishes the chances of human progress. Although different, the two
concepts are the result of social development, aiming to the same goal, the improvement of human condition and
standard of living. Nowadays, Romania finds itself in the middle of an economic crisis mainly due to the external
economic environment. The healthy solution for Romania’s exit from this widening crisis remains an economic
development able to attract strategic investments, create work places and increase the production of resources for
social protection. Romania’s national security can be sustained by an economic development that can assure
citizens’ economic prosperity , legality and social and politic stability.
Keywords: Competitiveness, Economic development, Economic progress, National security, The European Union.