Homeland Security: A Complete Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Surviving Terrorism

The indispensable reference on homeland security and the contemporary terrorist threat

From complex policy issues to common terrorist tactics, Homeland Security provides a practical foundation for those who need to understand both the “big picture’ and their own roles in the war against terror. It offers a clear, comprehensive, and fascinating overview of this increasingly complicated topic, divided into three main sections:

• Part I— The Emergence of Modern Homeland Security

  America’s historical approach to defending its homeland, and the evolution of the terrorist threat that led to September 11, 2001

• Part II—Understanding Terrorism

  Answers to the questions: Who are the terrorists? What do they want? How do they operate?

• Part III—The Present Homeland Security Regime

  Organization, strategies, programs and principles of the homeland security effort, with specifics for all levels of government, business, and individual citizens

Each chapter of Homeland Security includes an overview, learning objectives, source documents, discussion topic, summary, and quiz, making it an ideal resource for academic and training classrooms.

Homeland Security provides valuable information and instruction for:

• University students
• First responders
• Government officials
• Corporate executives
• Members of the military
• Volunteers and concerned citizens

As the events of 9/11 demonstrated, every American has a vital role to play in the war against terrorism. From first responders to concerned citizens, all require a deeper understanding of the emerging homeland security system, the modern terrorist threat, vital policy debates facing the nation, and practical methods to make communities and families safer.

Homeland Security provides that understanding. Written by leading authors with both practical and theoretical expertise, this authoritative textbook explores the nature of the terrorist threat to the United States and examines the policies and systems responsible for protecting America. Using source documents and real-life examples, it examines topics including:

• National homeland security strategies and directives
• The modern history of terrorism
• The most dangerous terrorist groups, foreign and domestic, and their tactics
• Critical infrastructure protection
• Emergency response, incident management, and continuity of operations
• Weapons of mass destruction
• Cyber-terrorism
• Business preparedness
• Roles, responsibilities, and methods of major federal, state, and local government agencies, along with key private sector organizations
• Tools and resources for individual and family preparedness
• Critical policy issues shaping the future of homeland security

While much of the globe has grappled for decades with the impact of terrorism on its own soil, the U.S. has only recently been forced to join that battle. Now that terrorism is a central part of our daily lives, however, a deeper knowledge of its many facets—and, more important, how American business and private lives can be shielded against terrorism—is essential.

Homeland Security is the definitive guide to understanding, preventing, and surviving terrorism. From hands-on security tips to insights on the vital balance between liberty and security, it is designed to help every American from the front lines to the voting booths play his or her role in the war against terrorism.

Mark Sauter is COO of the Chesapeake Innovation Center, America’s first business accelerator for homeland security high technology. A graduate of Harvard University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Sauter served as a U.S. Army infantry and Special Forces officer. He witnessed the impact of terrorism firsthand while a resident of Lower Manhattan on 9/11.

James Carafano, Ph.D., is a senior fellow for homeland security and defense with the Davis Institute for International Studies and the Heritage Foundation. An accomplished teacher and historian, Dr. Carafano has taught at West Point, Georgetown University, the National Defense University, and the U.S. Naval War College.