Synopses & Reviews
Despite the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in November of 2002 -- and numerous presidential policy declarations and legislation passed by the U.S. Congress since its inception -- the strategic goals and effectiveness of DHS remain largely a work-in-progress. Partisan politics have hindered a coherent strategy. The sheer size of the department, not to mention the diverse functions of its various components, have also contributed to growing pains and numerous policy debates.
This volume is one of the first texts to examine the political strategy that has characterized the first 5 years of DHS. The focus is on policy issues, particularly as they relate to the catalyst and impetus behind the creation of DHS, the attacks of 9/11 and ongoing global terrorism concerns. The book aims to identify the domestic and external elements that need to be addressed in a national Homeland Security strategy -- one that links a domestic security agenda with an overseas policy of developing allieswith the unified, multilateral goal of securing each nation??'s homeland from terrorist threats.
The book includes chapter contributions from top military, international relations, national security and political science academics and professionals representing such institutions as the U.S. Army War College, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Center for Nonproliferating Studies, and the Department of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, among others.
A variety of relevant issues are addressed including privacy and civil liberties in a free democracy, the threat of nuclear terrorism, WMDs, military force vs. diplomacy, and intelligence as a means of counteringglobal terrorism. The book will be of use to military, government, and Homeland Security researchers and policy makers, as well as university programs teaching courses in international relations, government, political science, and national security curricula.
Synopsis
Since its establishment in 2002, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has remained largely a work-in-progress. Partisan politics as well as its sheer size has hindered a coherent strategy. This volume is one of the first texts to examine the political strategy that has characterized the department's first 5 years. It includes contributions from top military, international relations, national security, and political science professionals and academics. A variety of relevant issues are addressed including privacy and civil liberties in a free democracy, the threat of nuclear terrorism, WMDs, military force vs. diplomacy, and intelligence as a means of countering global terrorism.
Synopsis
Despite the fact that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been active since November of 2002, the American homeland is still not secure from terrorist attack. What passes as DHS strategy is often just a list of objectives with vague references to the garnering of national resources, and the marshalling of support from other nations.
Drawing on the expertise of several of the nation's leading reseachers and policy experts, Terrorism and Homeland Security: Thinking Strategically About Policy provides policymakers with a much needed starting point for the creation of an effective coherent national security strategy. Its origins pre-dating 9-11, this volume grew out of an extensive project featuring the participation of various institutions including the Army War College.
The primary goal: develop a strategy that optimizes security with minimal infringement on rights and liberties
After addressing points salient to a central strategy, the book then identifies the domestic and external elements that need to be addressed in building such a strategy. To this end, it examines the nature of terrorist threats, looks at challenges specific to various weapons of mass destruction, and then goes beyond terrorism to discuss safeguarding society and its infrastructure from natural disasters.
In concluding, the editors present a number of preliminary suggestions. It is hoped that policymakers and others may take these suggestions into account when developing a comprehensive national security strategy.
Synopsis
This volume is one of the first to examine the strategy that has characterized the department's first five years. It includes contributions from top military, international relations, and security experts. A variety of issues are addressed including privacy and civil liberties, nuclear terrorism, WMDs, military force vs. diplomacy, and intelligence as a means of countering terrorism.
Synopsis
Since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established, it has remained a work-in-progress. This volume is one of the first to examine the strategy that has characterized the DHS's first five years. It includes contributions from top military, international relations, and security experts. A variety of issues are addressed, including nuclear terrorism, WMDs, military force vs. diplomacy, and intelligence as a means of countering terrorism. It examines preventive measures and explores the delicate balance between national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties. The book also discusses preparedness for natural and man-made disasters.