The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges - Softcover

Jarmon, Jack A.

9781442224117: The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1442224118 ISBN 13: 9781442224117

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2014

The New Era in U.S. National Security focuses on the emerging threats of the second decade of the twenty-first century, well after 9/11, and well into the age of globalization. It is a thorough, technically competent survey of the current arena of conflict and the competition for political and economic control by state and non-state actors. Starting with the current national security establishment, it discusses the incompatibility between the threats and the structure organized to meet them. It then looks at the supply chain, including containerization and maritime security as well as cybersecurity, terrorism, and transborder crime networks. The last section of the book focuses on existing industrial and defense policy and the role the private sector can play in national security.

Pulling together different areas, such as the logistics of the supply chain, the crime-terrorist nexus, and cyberwarfare, the book describes the landscape of today’s new battlefields. It shows how the logistics of asymmetrical warfare, the rise of the information age, the decline of the importance and effectiveness of national borders, the overdependence on fragile infrastructures, and the global reach of virtual, paramilitary, criminal, and terrorist networks have created new frontlines and adversaries with diverse objectives.

This core text for international security, strategy, war studies students is technical yet accessible to the non-specialist. It is a timely and comprehensive study of the realities of national security in the United States today.

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About the Author:

Jack A. Jarmon has taught international relations courses at the University of Pennsylvania, the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, and Rutgers University, where he was also Associate Director of the Command, Control and Interoperability Center for Advanced Data Analysis.

Review:

This is an excellent and timely book that gives the reader solid logic and clear argument. The thesis is that technology has created new worldwide systems that sustain not only the economy but human survival. Jarmon picks two for scrutiny: the new global maritime supply chain and the global cyber system. Unfortunately, an array of threats has developed that now threaten the viability of each. Rather than wring his hands in futility, the author proposes feasible responses. Ownership and responsibility for the global supply chain and cyber system is in private hands. The author convincingly argues that the viability of each system must now be viewed as a public good, vital to national security. Hence, the national government must assume responsibility for these systems. Thankfully, the author does not recommend the use of heavy-handed state regulation to bring private owners into conformity with the new reality. Rather, the author sensibly recommends that state officials notify those who own and operate these systems of the crucial importance of their enterprise to national security, and then extend tax incentives to mitigate the cost of the increased but necessary security measures. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. (CHOICE)

This textbook comprehensively and authoritatively covers the significant threats challenging United States national security and the governmental mechanisms established to respond to such evolving threats. Following a discussion of the national security apparatus and its policies, much of the volume discusses the nature of the threats against specific sectors, such as the maritime supply chain; the nature of cyber threats against critical infrastructure; the distinction and similarities between terrorism and crime; the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction; and the response measures required to counter such threats, including through public-private partnerships. (Perspectives on Terrorism)

The book offers a tremendous tour of the emerging threats and an introduction to the uncertainties of the transition between America's legacy structures and reactive structures. It focuses on the genuine novelties, while most security textbooks catch up with emerged threats and the new consensus. It is remarkably technical yet accessible. In short, this is a timely, pertinent, comprehensive, and technically competent text that will be most useful for teaching an emerging issues/current issues course to undergraduate students of international security or strategy. Further, the technical detail will allow considerable use through graduate level courses, and I can also see considerable interest from practitioners who research current security.
(Bruce Newsome, Lecturer in International Relations. University of California, Berkeley, Author of A Practical Introduction to Security and Risk Management (Sage 2013))

I have a great deal of respect for Jack Jarmon and his critical thinking in this area of National Security. The timing for this book could not have been better. This is one of our country's most critical issues and many leaders in business, government, and education have very little understanding of the significance of our vulnerabilities.

(Joseph W. McGrath, Retired CEO Unisys)
Jack Jarmon offers a comprehensive examination of a diverse collection of national security issues. An excellent source for students as well as practitioners, the book presents a deep knowledge and analysis of the security domain. It is a must read for policy makers and thought leaders interested in learning about the interconnectedness and challenges related to vulnerabilities and consequences of future threats. (Dr. Erroll Southers, University of Southern California, Associate Director, National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE). Adjunct Professor, Sol Price School of Public Policy)

Jack Jarmon underscores the criticality of the interface between government and business in the realm of security risks. He demonstrates the urgency, particularly given the nature of the cyber threat, of grasping the convergent risks business and government share and the need for greater cooperation on common security risks. Jarmon illustrates how this might be done in an age of asymmetric threats without damaging self-interest, stock market values, reputation and the principle of a capitalist free-market economy while maintaining the integrity of the state and overall national security. (Dr. Frank Plantan, Co-Director, International Relations Program, University of Pennsylvania)

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