A process approach focuses attention on the institutional framework for effective management of the resources devoted to the defense sector. It also clarifies the political constraints on the efficiency of resource allocation to the defence sector. The long-term emphasis should be placed on helping countries develop the capacity to assess systematically their own spending needs and to manage overall public expenditures effectively. The need to recognise country diversity. This focus is beginning to shift.
Needs vary depending on the domestic and regional context.
In some cases, spending levels may need to be maintained or even increased in order for states to provide for national security needs. The need to treat security expenditure like other spending. From a public expenditure point of view, security spending should no longer be considered a 'taboo' category. Security is like any other public good and security spending should be subject to the same institutional arrangements and processes as other forms of public expenditure. The need for effective partnerships.