Theoretical Foundations of Homeland Security

This new textbook outlines the main theories and concepts from a variety of disciplines that support homeland security operations, structures and strategies.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, "homeland security" (HLS) grew in importance within the U.S. government (and around the world) and matured from a concept discussed among a relatively small cadre of policymakers and strategic thinkers to a broadly discussed issue in Congress and society with a growing academic presence. Yet the ability to discern a theory of homeland security that would support overall security strategy has been more elusive to both scholars and policymakers. This textbook aims to elucidate a grand theory of homeland security by leveraging the theoretical underpinnings of the disciplines that comprise the strategies, operations and structures of the HLS enterprise. In this way, each chapter contributes to a grand theory of homeland security as it explores a different discipline that influences or supports a domain of the homeland security enterprise. These chapters cover intelligence systems, terrorism origins and ideologies, emergency management, environmental and human security, cybersecurity policy, crime and security, global governance, risk management, public health, law and policy, technology, interagency collaboration and the sociology of security.

This book will be essential reading for students of Homeland Security and Emergency Response, and recommended reading for students of terrorism, intelligence, cybersecurity, risk management and national security.

James D. Ramsay is a professor of Security Studies and coordinator of the Homeland Security Program at the University of New Hampshire, the United States. He is also founding chair of the Department of Security Studies.

Keith Cozine is an associate professor and director of the doctoral program in Homeland Security at St. John’s University, the United States. He has a decade and a half of law enforcement and intelligence experience including nearly ten years with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

John Comiskey is an associate professor of Homeland Security at Monmouth University, the United States. He is a retired New York City Police Department Lieutenant and U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer.