September 11, 2001 remains an historic phenomenon in the history of the United States, as well as the whole world. In retrospect, the 9/11 terrorists’ attack on Pentagon and the World Trade Center changed the perception on terrorism and national security. In the pre-9/11, the aspect of homeland defense did not receive immense attention from a majority of people, and even some security agencies.
Grannis (2002) reaffirms this aspect by stating that approaches to counter terrorism were relatively missing. Only few government officials, think tank experts and academia showed interest in programs that focused on maintaining sustainability on domestic preparedness. Consequently, the U.S. Government in entirety did not consider domestic preparedness as one of the key priorities. However, the unprecedented terrorists’ attack by the nineteen hijackers in New York and Washington, as well as the subsequent biological attack, raised concerns on instruments of national power including intelligence, diplomacy and law enforcement. Prior to the attacks, al-Qaida’s were training thousands of terrorist recruits in Afghanistan under Iraq’s sponsorship, yet such aspects that threatened international security received little attention from the global security agencies. As such, it is apparent that sustainability on both domestic and international preparedness encompassed several challenges. In contrast, this aspect has changed in the post-9/11 in which the U.S. spending on homeland security has been increasing every year since 2001. However, the exclusive focus on counterterrorism approaches, in order to avert other terrorist attacks seems to have diverged the focus to domestic preparedness. It is explicit that the current security climate is characterized by extensive national security programs with a decreased focus on dual-use and all-hazard approaches to domestic preparedness. This presents a significant post-9/11 sustainability challenge.
Therefore, this paper aims at providing a comprehensive analysis on post-9/11 sustainability challenges and present appropriate recommendations.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background Information
3. The Sustainability Challenge of Setting of the Right Priorities
4. The Sustainability Challenge of the Possible Resurfacing of an Earlier Concern
5. Other Minor Sustainability Challenges
6. Possible Solutions
7. Recommendations
7.1 Adoption of relevant trends in policing
7.2 Dual-use and leveraging
7.3 Institutionalization
7.4 Adoption of resilient law enforcement operational strategies
8. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the sustainability challenges regarding U.S. domestic preparedness in the post-9/11 era. It examines how an exclusive focus on counterterrorism strategies has diverged resources from all-hazard preparedness and explores potential solutions to restore balance in national security priorities.
- Historical evaluation of domestic preparedness programs since 1996.
- Economic and structural impacts of post-9/11 counterterrorism prioritization.
- Risks associated with "boom to burst" funding cycles in national security.
- Analysis of sustainability challenges including political will and agency coordination.
- Strategic recommendations for resilient law enforcement and integrated security policies.
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The Sustainability Challenge of Setting of the Right Priorities
Over the past decade, the U.S. Government has been developing comprehensive security strategies to counter terrorism. In addition, its expenditure on defense has been increasing year-by-year. This has resulted into what is referred to as Military-Industrial Complex (MIC). In this context, government expenditure on national security has become a burden to the Americans, especially in maintaining a large military and security personnel through homeland security department. In addition, the government has been increasing its arms procurement from the arms industry in order to meet the demand for security equipment required for counterterrorism strategies.
A summary of government’s expenditure on national security since September 11, 2001 indicates that billions of dollars have now been channeled to defense. The four main sections of defense: Pentagon base, nuclear weapons, Iraq and Afghan wars, and Homeland security have swallowed huge amounts of money. It is estimated that more than $7.6 trillion have been spent on homeland security and defense since 2001. In 2001, Pentagon base budget was $290.5 billion, but it increased by 43% to reach $526.1 billion in 2011.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the shift in national security perceptions post-9/11 and introduces the core problem of sustainability in domestic preparedness.
Background Information: Provides a historical overview of U.S. domestic preparedness programs established since 1996 and highlights initial coordination failures.
The Sustainability Challenge of Setting of the Right Priorities: Discusses the economic burden of the post-9/11 security focus and the misallocation of resources toward terrorist-specific initiatives.
The Sustainability Challenge of the Possible Resurfacing of an Earlier Concern: Explores the "boom to burst" phenomenon where temporary increases in security funding are followed by drastic cuts due to a lack of immediate threats.
Other Minor Sustainability Challenges: Examines external factors such as international cooperation and the persistent challenge of radicalization.
Possible Solutions: Proposes strategies like the National Infrastructure Protection Plan to reduce systemic vulnerabilities.
Recommendations: Offers specific operational improvements including predictive policing and the institutionalization of counterterrorism reforms.
Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings and reiterates the need for a balanced approach to security that integrates all-hazard readiness.
Keywords
Domestic preparedness, 9/11, counterterrorism, homeland security, program sustainability, national security, all-hazard approach, first responders, military-industrial complex, infrastructure protection, risk assessment, policing trends, resource allocation, public funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The paper focuses on the sustainability challenges of U.S. domestic preparedness in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the shift toward terrorism-specific security initiatives, the financial burden of the Military-Industrial Complex, and the decline of all-hazard preparedness strategies.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to analyze why current sustainability challenges exist and to present actionable recommendations for creating a more resilient national security strategy.
Which methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a critical review and analytical approach, evaluating historical data, government expenditure patterns, and existing academic security frameworks.
What does the main part of the document address?
It covers the history of domestic preparedness, the impact of federal funding on security priorities, and the structural challenges inherent in inter-agency coordination.
Which keywords best describe this work?
The work is best defined by terms like domestic preparedness, counterterrorism, national security, and program sustainability.
How does the author define the "boom to burst" phenomenon?
It describes a cycle where governments significantly increase funding for security after an attack, only to follow this with drastic cuts over time when the immediate threat perception fades.
Why does the author advocate for a "dual-use" strategy?
A dual-use strategy ensures that resources are utilized for all-hazard areas rather than being restricted solely to counterterrorism, thereby improving overall public health and law enforcement capabilities.
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- Caroline Mutuku (Autor), 2018, Prospectus on Post September 11 Sustainability Challenges, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/433785
