Emerging Issues In Homeland Security

For a myriad of reasons, the United States of America created a Department of Defiance whose seemly unshakeable credo is based on the oft-quoted sports slogan that the best defense is a good offense. Thus America was caught with its pants down on September 11. It could attack entire countries with doomsday nuclear weapons at the drop of the hat, but couldn't find or hit the person who dropped the hat. It could rain down 500 pound hole blaster bombs but couldn't find the holes. Who even thought anyone would have the chutzpah to attack the US? A US which had grown so indolent following its firm policy of bombing anyone, anywhere without regards to God's or man's laws or even common sense. The new concept of home security has been belatedly discovered by the mandarins in Washington. These book detail efforts at trying to figure out why the strongest offensive military power on Earth may also be the weakest defensive power.

This book is devoted primarily to papers prepared by American and Russian specialists on cyber terrorism and urban terrorism. It also includes papers on biological and radiological terrorism from the American and Russian perspectives. Of particular interest are the discussions of the hostage situation at Dubrovko in Moscow, the damge inflicted in New York during the attacks on 9/11, and Russian priorities in addressing cyber terrorism.

Introduction to Homeland Security, Third Edition provides the latest developments in the policy and operations of domestic security efforts of the agencies under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This includes the FBI, Secret Service, FEMA, the Coast Guard, TSA and numerous other federal agencies responsible for critical intelligence, emergency response, and the safety and security of U.S. citizens at home and abroad. Changes in DHS and domestic security are presented from pre-September 11, 2001 days, to include the formation of DHS under President George W. Bush, all the way through to the current administration. Through this, the many transformative events are looked at through the lens of DHS’s original establishment, and the frequent changes to the various agencies, organization, reporting structure, funding, and policies that have occurred since. This new edition is completely updated and includes coverage of topics relevant to homeland security operations not covered in any other text currently available. This includes highlighting the geopolitical context and the nature of global terrorism—and their implications—specifically as they relate to threats to the United States. Partnerships and collaboration with global allies are highlighted in the context of their relevance to international trade, domestic policies, training, and security. The book ends with a look at emerging threats and potential new, creative solutions—and initiatives in-process within the government—to respond to and address such threats. Key Features: Explores the history and formation of the Department of Homeland Security, recent developments, as well as the role and core missions of core agencies within DHS Outlines man-made threats, intelligence challenges, and intra-agency communication, planning, and operations Looks critically at the role of geopolitical dynamics, key international allies, and their influence on domestic policy and decision-making Covers the latest developments in programs, legislation, and policy relative to all transportation and border security issues Examines current issues and emerging global threats associated with extremism and terrorism Addresses natural and man-made disasters and the emergency management cycle in preparing for, mitigating against, responding to, and recovering from such events Introduction to Homeland Security, Third Edition remains the premier textbook for criminal justice, homeland security, national security, and intelligence programs in universities and an ideal reference for professionals as well as policy and research institutes.

Vulnerabilities abound in U.S. society. The openness and efficiency of our key infrastructures â€" transportation, information and telecommunications systems, health systems, the electric power grid, emergency response units, food and water supplies, and others â€" make them susceptible to terrorist attacks. Making the Nation Safer discusses technical approaches to mitigating these vulnerabilities. A broad range of topics are covered in this book, including: Nuclear and radiological threats, such as improvised nuclear devices and "dirty bombs;" Bioterrorism, medical research, agricultural systems and public health; Toxic chemicals and explosive materials; Information technology, such as communications systems, data management, cyber attacks, and identification and authentication systems; Energy systems, such as the electrical power grid and oil and natural gas systems; Transportation systems; Cities and fixed infrastructures, such as buildings, emergency operations centers, and tunnels; The response of people to terrorism, such as how quality of life and morale of the population can be a target of terrorists and how people respond to terrorist attacks; and Linked infrastructures, i.e. the vulnerabilities that result from the interdependencies of key systems. In each of these areas, there are recommendations on how to immediately apply existing knowledge and technology to make the nation safer and on starting research and development programs that could produce innovations that will strengthen key systems and protect us against future threats. The book also discusses issues affecting the government's ability to carry out the necessary science and engineering programs and the important role of industry, universities, and states, counties, and cities in homeland security efforts. A long term commitment to homeland security is necessary to make the nation safer, and this book lays out a roadmap of how science and engineering can assist in countering terrorism.

In 2003, the President and the U.S. Congress established the Department of Homeland Security. From the beginning, its mission was clear: prevent terrorist attacks, protect against threats to America's safety and security, and prepare the nation to respond effectively to disasters, both natural and man-made. This monumental mission demands a comprehensive strategy. It also requires a crystal-clear explanation of that strategy to Americans and their allies worldwide. In a revealing new book, Homeland Security: Assessing the First Five Years, Michael Chertoff provides that explanation. In a refreshingly candid and engaging manner, America's former homeland security secretary depicts the department's long-term approach, what it has achieved, and what it has yet to do. The strategy begins with the threats America faces, from terrorist groups like al Qaeda to hurricanes like Ike or Gustav. "Once these threats are identified," Chertoff writes, "we can confront them, using every tool at our disposal. We can stop terrorists from entering the country, and discourage people from embracing terrorism by combating its lethal ideology. We can protect our critical assets and reduce our vulnerabilities to natural disasters. We can plan and prepare for emergencies and respond in a way that minimizes the consequences. And we can work closely with our allies abroad to reduce the risk of future disasters." In each of these areas, Chertoff informs the reader what the nation has done and what it still must do to secure its future. How well has this strategy fared in a post-9/11 world? Since that fateful day, there have been no global terror attacks on American soil. Yet in the face of continued dangers, Michael Chertoff warns repeatedly against complacency. He urges America and its leaders to strengthen their resolve, stay the course, and build creatively on past successes.

Critical Issues in Homeland Security: A Casebook encourages analytical and careful examination of practical homeland security problems through the presentation of contemporary cases involving major state or national events. Case studies demonstrate the complexity of challenges within the domain of homeland security policy and administration.

An essential casebook that critically examines real-life situations in homeland security?including terrorism, emergency management, and environmental security?to better understand the theories and practices of the discipline.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and with the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, the academic field of homeland security has grown exponentially. Today's students want to have a better understanding of the threats facing the United States, and what can be done to prevent future harm. Designed for the undergraduate introductory homeland security course, Homeland Security: Policy, Organization, and Administration is a comprehensive, yet easily understandable text for students seeking more knowledge about the field. It provides readers with the basic foundations and the current issues surrounding homeland security, as well as a look into the future of the discipline.