WHAT IS HOMELAND SECURITY?
A Short History
In order to have a worthwhile public debate on the actions we need to take to secure our nation (and the new laws and expenditures required as a result), we must be accurate and consistent in our use of language. [read more]

From the White House

• Executive Order Establishing Office of Homeland Security (8 Oct 2001)
  • Summary of the President's Executive Order (8 Oct 2001)
• Gov. Ridge Sworn-In to Lead Homeland Security (8 Oct 2001)

WHY ARE WE WORRIED?
The Threats to Homeland Security
Under construction.

WHAT IS TO BE DONE?
The Complexity of Homeland Security
Homeland Security, on the other hand, involves virtually every federal, state, and local government agency, along with many private institutions, and it concerns both the survival of the nation and the survival of its people. Just identifying all the players, much less giving them central direction and funding, is an astonishingly complex task. [read more]

WHERE TO START
Shaping a Strategy for Homeland Security
Under construction.

HOW TO START
Authority for the Homeland Security Advisor
The establishment of a Homeland Security Council to somewhat parallel the National Security Council, and the appointment of a senior person to act as the President's Homeland Security Adviser (much like the National Security Adviser) are certainly important steps which do demonstrate the Administration's serious approach to the new threats evident since 11 September 2001. The selection of a former governor (who understands the local aspects of Homeland Security and has the President's ear), the promise of a 100 person staff, and the establishment of the office in the Old Executive Office building (close by the White House) are all good signs.

But the central question which bedevils any new leadership position in government remains to be answered. How much authority will be granted the Federal government's point man on Homeland Security? [read more]

Short-term Organization for the Homeland Security Council
Under construction.

GETTING STARTED
The First Actions the Homeland Security Advisor Should Take
After multiple commissions and reports, and the efforts of many in Congress, President Bush has appointed Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge to be director of the nation's Homeland Security Office. This is good news. Establishing some central direction and control is essential. The selection of a governor is wise-many resources required for homeland security belong to states and local authorities. He already has a personal relationship with the President, and that should give him essential access. Now what? Where should the new boss start? [read more]

ONCE WE ARE STARTED
Long-term Considerations for Homeland Security
Under construction.

THINKING ABOUT HOMELAND SECURITY
A Framework for Making Strategy
A brief introduction to strategic thought. [read more]

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