The ambitious and pioneering concept of connected security has been navigating challenging waters since its introduction in 2006. The ZFAS special issue takes stock of what has been achieved so far, clearly identifying the successes attained as well as the existing weaknesses, and presents concrete proposals for the further development of the concept. In doing so, the authors place connected security within the broader context of foreign and security policy strategic capability and emphasize the close interactions in the "golden triangle" between strategic guidelines, existing security institutions, and security policy culture.