Homeland Security : assessing the first five years / Michael Chertoff ; foreword by Lee H. Hamilton.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Chertoff, Michael, 1953-

Contributor:

Hamilton, Lee.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Department of Homeland Security--Evaluation.

United States.

National security--United States.

National security.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (216 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Philadelphia : University of Pennsylvania Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Foreword / Hamilton, Lee H.

Introduction

Threats

1. Assessing the Dangers

2. The Ideological Roots of Terror

Prevention

3. Securing the Border­ and Reforming Immigration

4. Using Every Tool

5. Why Soft Power Works

6. Why Washington Won't Work

Protection: Reducing Vulnerabilities

7. Protecting and Preserving Infrastructure

8. Cybersecurity

9. Responding to IEDs at Home

10. Managing Identity

Preparation and Response

11. Managing Risk

12. Biological Threats and Biodefenses

13. The Question of FEMA and Homeland Security

International Dimensions

14. Cooperation and Consensus Abroad

15. The Responsibility to Contain

Conclusion: Before September 11­ and Since

Notes

Index

Acknowledgments

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 184-192) and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 08. Jul 2019)

ISBN:

9781283896207

1283896206

9780812205886

081220588X

OCLC:

794702275