A
National Security Council (
NSC) is usually an
executive branch governmental body responsible for coordinating policy on national security issues and advising chief executives on matters related to
national security. An NSC is often headed by a national security advisor and staffed with senior-level officials from military, diplomatic, intelligence, law enforcement and other governmental bodies. The functions and responsibilities of an NSC at the strategic
state level are different from those of the
United Nations Security Council, which is more of a
diplomatic forum.