Which term refers to the practices aimed at improving national security within a foreign nation?

Foreign Internal Defense refers to the strategies and practices aimed at enhancing a foreign nation's stability and security. This approach typically involves supporting a country's government in combating internal threats such as insurgencies, terrorism, and civil unrest. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the capacity of the local forces and institutions to restore and maintain order, thereby contributing to the overall national security of that nation.

This term encompasses various activities, including training and equipping local military and law enforcement, providing intelligence support, and engaging in community development programs to build trust and collaboration with the local populace. The alignment of these efforts with U.S. national interests often aims to prevent the emergence of conditions that could lead to broader regional instability or conflict.

In contrast, counterinsurgency focuses specifically on combating insurgents and restoring government authority, while conventional war tactics involve traditional military engagements against opposing armed forces. Peacekeeping missions typically involve the deployment of international forces to maintain or restore peace in a conflict region, rather than focusing specifically on improving a host nation's internal security.