• To effectively adopt the concept of culture as a basis for reflection in security studies, it is necessary to reconcile subjective ideas with objective, empirical reality. • At its core, culture is a valuable tool an instrument through which humans are better equipped to address specific, concrete problems encountered in their environment, especially in satisfying their needs. • Culture can also be understood as an interconnected system of signs (symbols) subject to interpretation. However, it is not a source of power itself; rather, it provides a context within which social events, behaviours, institutions, and processes can be meaningfully and thoroughly understood. • Culture is both a theoretical and practical domain that is continually evolving, acquiring new meanings and interpretations. It is increas­ingly linked to concepts that serve as important analytical tools for understanding the numerous changes occurring in contemporary so­cieties. The process of content production focused on culture, of course, is not yet finished, and it is expected that future reflections and ideas that shape cul­ture will also be fruitful and constructive. Culture and Reflection on Security The idea that culture can define strategic outcomes was first observed among classical theorists Thucydides, Sun Tzu Wu, and later Clausewitz. Early research attempted to explain how“national character” could influ­ence or lead to different ways of conducting war. Based on these assump­tions, connections were made between culture and security policy, focus­ing on“national character” as a product of language, religion, customs, socialization, and the interpretation of shared historical experiences(Lan­tis&Howlett, 2007:84). It has long been recognized that cultural knowledge and warfare are insep­arably linked. Herodotus also emphasized cultural knowledge as a means of enhancing military strength, highlighting the importance of understand­ing the“enemy’s” character during the Persian Wars(490–479 B.C.E.). Many generals and soldiers throughout different historical epochs memo­rized Sun Tzu Wu’s verse:“ If I know the enemy and know myself, I need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” Additionally, many contemporary mil­32 NATIONAL SECURITY CULTURES- A VIEW FROM THE BALKANS