Risk unbound: threat, catastrophe, and the end of homeland security
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Authors
Anderson, Jacob S.
Subjects
catastrophe
command and control
complexity
crisis
disaster
doctrine
normal accident
risk
risk-based security
risk management
risk society
threat
uncertainty
volatility
worst-cases
command and control
complexity
crisis
disaster
doctrine
normal accident
risk
risk-based security
risk management
risk society
threat
uncertainty
volatility
worst-cases
Advisors
Bellavita, Chris
Date of Issue
2015-09
Date
Sep-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Threat and catastrophe highlight the impossibility of providing perfect security, and demonstrate the limitations of risk-based security practices. This thesis presents an argument in three parts. First, the dangers homeland security agencies confront are increasingly beyond the reach of measures for control. The character of security risks is complex and volatile, while worst-case possibilities—not merely probable accidents and disasters—are particularly relevant to domestic security agencies and organizations. Second, the security response to such unbounded risks has been the creation of unconscionable maps—tools and concepts that presume a greater degree of knowledge, uniformity, and control than is available. Finally, there is a body of knowledge and capability better suited to security uncertainties, and homeland security agencies must find ways to cultivate these capacities. Contrary to current security practices, national adaptability is more desirable than perfect knowledge, control of crisis, or national uniformity.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.