A risk-based approach for homeland security

Abstract

THE RECENT foiled plot in the United Kingdom highlighted the reality of homeland security threats. Despite having numerous countermeasures in place and good intelligence, the terrorists still managed to conduct a near successful attack. This incident highlights a fundamental nature of homeland security – states’ vulnerabilities are infinite, and the states cannot protect every place, every time. As such, homeland security policymakers need to prioritize their policy goals and allocate the finite resources efficiently. But before this can happen, the critical step of determining the risks arising from threats and vulnerabilities must be taken. The determined risks will then form the basis for subsequent decision-making.