THE NEXUS OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND TERRORISM 1
The Nexus of Homeland Security and Terrorism
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
HLSC 610: Understanding Terrorism and Homeland Security
Dr. Melvin Richards
August 12, 2022
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The Nexus of Homeland Security and Terrorism
Introduction
Terrorism. When will the wave of violence end? Must more innocent lives be taken
prematurely? Will terrorists continue to intensify their violence and tactics? Are they on the
verge of unleashing a weapon of mass destruction? These are just some of the many questions
that reflect the growing concerns about homeland security. Despite these concerns, it is
unreasonable to expect the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its
component units to detect and prevent all possible terrorist attacks. However, it is certainly
possible to enhance the core capabilities of communities to mitigate, prepare, respond, and
recover from terrorist attacks. These four functional phases of the emergency management
disaster life cycle are essential concepts used to address terrorism and homeland security.
Overview of Terrorism
What is terrorism? Although there are hundreds of definitions of terrorism, the DHS
defines terrorism as
any activity that involves an act that is dangerous to human life or potentially
destructive of critical infrastructure or key resources; and is a violation of the
criminal laws of the United States or any State or other subdivision of the United
States, and appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; to
influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or to affect the
conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.
(DHS, 2004; as cited in McEntire, 2018, p. 32)
In simple terms, terrorism is an “unlawful act dangerous to human life or public welfare that is
intended to intimidate or coerce civilian populations or governments (RESDAL.org, n.d., para.
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11). Terrorist groups, both foreign and domestic, are expected to continue to increase globally, as
well as the impact and intensity of their violence. These terrorist groups, including lone wolfs,
will continue to seek out vulnerabilities in their environment and use them as leverage to attack,
recruit, and spread their ideologies. It is essential to note that just as there are many definitions of
terrorism, terrorists have just as many targets. Nothing is foolproof, and despite the challenges,
counterterrorism agencies have now improved their capabilities and tools to deal with terrorism.
Overview of Homeland Security
Just as there are many definitions for terrorism, the term homeland security also conjures
multiple meanings. The DHS describes homeland security as “a concerted national effort to
prevent attacks within the United States, reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and recover
from and minimize the damage of attacks that do occur” (Office of Homeland Security, 2002; as
cited in McEntire, 2018, p. 12). However, various groups of people view homeland security
differently. For example, elected officials believe homeland security is a policy framework;
scholars think that it is an academic discipline; practitioners regard it as a function of responding
to terrorist threats, and the military is confident that it is a new priority concerning national
security (McEntire, 2018).
Before the establishment of the DHS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was
the primary entity responsible for disaster management. Shortly after the September 11 terrorist
attacks, DHS was created to “prevent future attacks against the United States and its allies,
respond decisively to natural and man-made disasters, and advance American prosperity and
economic security” (DHS, 2021, para. 2). While DHS encountered many challenges during its
inception, it, together with its component units have made great strides working collectively to
combat terrorism. Hence, to effectively carry out their war on terror, the concepts of the four
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functional phases of the emergency management disaster life cycle are utilized to successfully
mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover from terrorist attacks.
Mitigation
Mitigation can be described as actions or activities taken to reduce or eliminate long-term
risks to hazards and is closely related to two frequently used terms in homeland security—
prevention and protection (FEMA, 2013; McEntire, 2018). Many factors must be considered to
reduce risks and increase safety. Since terrorists seek to create maximum impact for their attacks,
preventive and protective measures can only be successfully implemented after a thorough risk
assessment. According to FEMA (2011), “the risk is influenced by the nature and magnitude of a
threat, the vulnerability to that threat, and the consequences that could result from a successful
attack” (p. 1-4). The goal is to determine which preventive and protective measures are needed to
attain the level of protection sought (FEMA, 2011). It is also essential to note that mitigation
activities can be done in all phases of the emergency management life cycle. Figure 1 illustrates
the risk assessment process.
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Figure 1: Risk Assessment Process
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA]. (2011). Buildings and
infrastructure protection series, Reference manual to mitigate potential terrorist attacks against buildings (FEMA-426/BIPS-06). U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Infrastructure Protection and Disaster Management
Division. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation Strategies
Aside from assessing the risks of terrorist threats, there are two types of mitigation to
consider—structural and nonstructural mitigation. Structural mitigations are construction
practices and materials to limit the impact of terrorist attacks (McEntire, 2018, p. 217). Some
structural mitigation strategies include installing blast-resistant glass, surveillance cameras, and
intrusion systems on buildings and building walls or fences around critical infrastructures.
Nonstructural mitigations are non-construction practices that may limit the possibility or
consequences of terrorist attacks (McEntire, 2018, p. 217). Nonstructural mitigation strategies
include enforcement of zoning laws, employing security guards, and planning for emergency
response needs, like escape routes. Terrorists will go to great lengths to attack vulnerable targets
like buildings. Hence, both structural and nonstructural mitigation strategies are pivotal to
homeland security.
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Preparedness
Like terrorism and homeland security, there is no standard definition for preparedness,
yet it is one of the key foundations in emergency management (McEntire & Myers, 2004).
The National Governors’ Association (1979), as cited in Thorvaldsdóttir and Sigbjörnsson
(2014), defines preparedness as “activities necessary to the extent that mitigation measures have
not, or cannot, prevent disasters” (p. 50). The goal is to develop or enhance a community's ability
to launch an effective response in an emergency. In other words, foresee potential problems and
project possible solutions to reduce the impact of terrorist attacks or prevent it from happening in
the first place. Reducing the impact of terrorist attacks can minimize disruptions in citizens’ daily
lives; most importantly, it can save lives, reduce injuries, and limit damage to properties.
According to McEntire and Myers (2004), “establishing an emergency management
ordinance; assessing hazards, vulnerability and risks; creating an emergency operations plan;
developing a warning system; identifying and acquiring resources and grants; instituting mutual
aid agreement; training; exercise and educating the public [are just some of many preparedness
activities that communities can undertake to prepare and respond to terrorist incidents]” (p. 142).
If these preparedness activities are to be successful, emergency managers must first recognize
that “community preparedness requires leadership and professionalism, advocacy, inter-agency
networking, and modern technological tools [to counter the creative tactics of terrorists]”
(McEntire & Myers, 2004, p. 150). They are, after all, adaptable individuals that will target
perceived vulnerabilities in communities.
Response
Responding to emergencies requires the cooperation and coordination of multiple
organizations; hence, the more multifaceted the terrorist incident, the greater the number of
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stakeholders involved in responding. Thorvaldsdóttir and Sigbjörnsson (2014) assert that “the
emergency management life cycle's response phase consists of activities designed to provide
emergency assistance for casualties, like search and rescue, emergency shelter, medical care, and
mass feeding” (p. 50). The response phase also seeks to reduce the probability of a secondary
attack by sizing up the situation to determine the type and magnitude of the attack. McEntire
(2018), as cited in Atalig-Fejeran (2022), suggests the following course of action: “securing the
scene, sweeping the area for other devices that terrorists may have planted, and assigning an
individual or team to monitor and communicate safety concerns that could hinder response
operations” (para. 4).
Responding to a terrorist incident involves more than just search and rescue, emergency
shelter, medical care, and mass feeding. All operations require proper planning and assessments.
This includes collectively working with other organizations, like government and
nongovernment organizations, faith-based and nonprofit organizations, and the business
community. For example, public works can provide traffic control; police can provide security;
emergency medical services personnel can triage and transport victims to hospitals, and local
nonprofit or voluntary organizations can assist displaced residents (FEMA, 2019). Hence, FEMA
developed a National Response Framework (NRF) to ensure that response activities are
successful. This invaluable tool provides emergency managers with a foundational emergency
management doctrine for responding to all types of incidents (FEMA, 2019). It is scalable,
flexible, and adaptable to fit the needs of a community to ensure quick stabilization of
community lifelines.
Recovery
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The recovery phase of emergency management has two sets of activities: short-term and
long-term recovery activities. Short-term recovery efforts involve activities that would return
vital community lifelines to minimum operating standards. These activities include damage
assessments, declaring disasters, debris clean-up, mass fatality management, and crisis
counseling for those affected by the terrorist incident. Long-term recovery efforts involve
applying for grants or redevelopment loans to alleviate the affected community’s financial
constraints to rebuild and return some sense of normalcy to the community. The National
Disaster Recovery Framework was developed to guide communities in recovery planning to
ensure that regardless of the size and magnitude of any incident, “communities can coordinate
recovery efforts to address their unique needs, capabilities, demographics, and governing
structures” (FEMA, 2016, p. ii). In addition, it is essential to note that recovery is an all-inclusive
process that requires engaging community partners or stakeholders in recovery efforts. This all-
inclusive approach encourages citizens to take responsibility for their community and, at the
same time, increase their resilience to bounce back after a catastrophic event.
Biblical Perspective
Terrorism, just as there are many definitions, tactics, and targets, there are also just as
many reasons terrorists do what they do. Their ill-informed and twisted ideologies are just one of
them. They’ll resort to violence to get the publicity they crave and recruit others to support their
evil doings. Hence, the book of Romans 12:21 says, “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001/2016). This scripture reminds us that
despite our sinful world, we must not fight evil with evil but instead continue to do what is right
and just for all humanity.
Conclusion
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Terrorism will continue to evolve as long as opportunities exist for terrorists to do so. The
nexus of homeland security and terrorism has highlighted that commitment to fighting terrorism
requires joint efforts from partners worldwide. Successful strategies for homeland security can
only be sustained when steps to protect our borders, promote law enforcement cooperation, and
improve collaboration with partners in response to attacks are achieved. Until then, homeland
security and emergency management will remain the nation’s priority.
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References
Atalig-Fejeran, W., (2022). HLSC 610: Module 6, Week 6: Preparing and responding to terrorist
attacks discussion. Unpublished manuscript. Liberty University.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/286468/discussion_topics/2595612?
module_item_id=32588099
English Standard Version Bible. (2016). EVC Online. https://esv.literalword.com/ (Original work
published 2001)
FEMA. (2013). Mitigation ideas. FEMA.gov. 1-88.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/fema-mitigation-ideas_02-13-2013.pdf
FEMA. (2016). National disaster recovery framework. Second Edition. | FEMA.gov.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-
06/national_disaster_recovery_framework_2nd.pdf
McEntire, D. A. (2018). Introduction to homeland security, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf
version]. Retrieved from vbk://9781119430636
McEntire, D. A., & Myers, A. (2004). Preparing communities for disasters: Issues and processes
for government readiness. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International
Journal, 13(2), 140-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560410534289
RESDAL.org. (n.d.). United States. The national strategy for Homeland Security -Introduction.
RESDAL - indexRed de Seguridad y Defensa de América
Latina. https://www.resdal.org/Archivo/usa-home-intro.htm
Thorvaldsdóttir, S., & Sigbjörnsson, R. (2014). Disaster-function management: Basic
principles. Natural Hazards Review, 15(1), 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)nh.1527-
6996.0000118
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS]. (2021). Mission. Retrieved on August 10, 2022.
https://www.dhs.gov/mission
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA].
(2011). Buildings and infrastructure protection series, Reference manual to mitigate
potential terrorist attacks against buildings (FEMA-426/BIPS-06). U.S. Department of
Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Infrastructure Protection and
Disaster Management Division. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA].
(2019). National response framework. Fourth Edition. (1-51). FEMA.gov.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/NRF_FINALApproved_2011028.pdf
