Homeland Security: An Introduction

This textbook--written by experts in the field--delivers a comprehensive, systematic introduction to homeland security Throughout the course of the book, particular emphasis is placed on three paradigm shifts in homeland security: the new role of so-called "big data" analytics for risk assessment in homeland security decision-making; emerging understandings of the "homeland security enterprise," a term used by practitioners to describe whole-of-government efforts to manage natural and man-made threats; and the growing recognition of how international affairs can influence and shape domestic security considerations.

About the Author :
Austen D. Givens is an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity at Utica College. Nathan E. Busch is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Center for American Studies at at Christopher Newport University. Alan Bersin, currently a Senior Fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center Homeland Security Project, served as Assistant Secretary of International Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, and previously as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Review :
"Homeland Security: An Introduction provides readers with a comprehensive treatment of the homeland security enterprise today, including the array of threats confronting the United States and the federal government's myriad efforts to safeguard our nation. The authors successfully guide readers through diverse homeland security functions, as well as the organizational, social, and technological tensions influencing the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) operations. What distinguishes Givens, Busch, and Bersin's approach is their emphasis on the challenges that new innovations and globalization will have on the federal government's ability to execute the homeland security mission. Homeland Security: An Introduction successfully engages readers with a well-paced, balanced introduction to the homeland security enterprise."--Greg Pompelli, Director for the Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense, Texas A&M University "Homeland Security: An Introduction provides clarity about the United States' homeland security enterprise from the founding of the country to 9/11 and beyond. Givens, Busch, and Bersin contribute their insight and expertise to capture impressively the history and purpose of national security as it has now evolved to encompass both foreign and domestic affairs. The authors successfully furnish an illuminating introductory text to the field of homeland security for students and citizens alike. The result is a striking, important addition to the literature regarding the status and challenges of homeland security, including its means and methods of prevention, response, recovery, and resilience."--Juliette Kayyem, The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University "Homeland Security: An Introduction is an extensively researched, clearly written, and forward-looking contribution to the collection of second-generation homeland security texts. The authors write with both academic and experiential gravitas. They do not shy away from narrative or from using theory to inform an understanding of their stories. They introduce theoretical frameworks I have not encountered elsewhere. Their book is a smart, compelling read and introduction to the field."--Christopher Bellavita, Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security "Homeland Security: An Introduction provides an important overview of numerous issues homeland security professionals face every day. The authors deserve great credit for striking the right balance between operational storytelling and policy, network, and organizational theories. For serious students who are prepared to immerse themselves in the field, this textbook will be a go-to source of information and inspiration."--Robert Griffin, founding dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, State University of New York at Albany "I believe that one of the biggest draws will be the authors, their credentials, and experience in the field. This could be considered the essential book in this field."--James O'Sullivan, Pace University "It includes current issues, like the recent OPM data breach and how cybersecurity has been a shifted focus for homeland security efforts. This text provides the unique perspectives of those in academia studying issues in homeland security, as well as the perspective of a seasoned career practitioner in this field in the public sector."--Ryan Schwoebel, University of Alabama, Birmingham "The authors' extensive, firsthand knowledge of the topics comes in loud and clear and in very basic terms that I know students will appreciate and understand."--Robert F. Alonzo, Texas A&M University, San Antonio