Homeland Security Handbook (Electronic book text)

Blinded by emotional rhetoric, political posturing, and genuine fear, previous efforts to defend our way of life against aggressors intent on inflicting personal and economic destruction have proven, in hindsight, to be misguided, panicked, and reactionary. Evaluation and assessment to date is largely focused on reviewing government documents, doing little to alleviate the distorted perspectives from which we vainly attempt to invoke workable policy. In contrast to much of the current literature, Homeland Security Handbook takes a sober, analytical look at the policies, results, and lessons learned in what is still a nascent field. This comprehensive reference considers the myriad factors, implications, and ramifications involved with the practical and effective protection of our safety. Dividing contributions into five sections, this book- Provides an overview and historical perspective of the worldwide threat of terrorism and debates the necessity and danger of highly-centralized government response Explores specific threats to homeland security including the exploitation of our own vulnerabilities. It explores the insidious effect of psycho-terrorism and challenges the economic and military wisdom of launching armies against a nation-less and nebulous threat Offers practical, reasoned advice from practitioners and academic experts on planning, preparedness, prevention, and recovery Reviews supporting case studies from local and foreign governmental response to security and border control Quantifies the cost of homeland security in terms of funding, as well as the hardships incurred by rash and biased actions Conscious of the multi-faceted nature of the problem, the editor combines theory and practice to address concerns in border and transportation security, emergency preparedness and response, and infrastructure protection.