American University. Department of Government GOVERNMENT Homeland Security: Strategy and Policy. Course Syllabus

Transcription

1 American University Department of Government GOVERNMENT Homeland Security: Strategy and Policy Course Syllabus Professor K. A. Beyoghlow, PhD 3 Semester Hours Credit Fall 2010 Daytime Contact Tel: (202) Daytime address: beyoghlowk@ndu.edu COURSE DESCRIPTION Homeland Security (HS) was introduced in the United States as a response to the tragedy of September 11, This course will delve into the subject matter both as a concept and as a structure an executive branch agency. In addition to attempting to build a viable conceptual framework to analyze terrorism and natural disasters comparatively, this course attempts to distinguish between strategy and policy. It will also focus on the intricate relationship between homeland security and the international security environment, including, the U.S. interagency coordination process, and the dynamic of international cooperation in the War on Terrorism (WOT). The point of departure is that homeland security in response to terrorism has domestic as well as foreign underpinnings. Domestically, it is related to American citizens and the role of government and presidential powers. Abroad, it includes security and other measures taken by the US Government against terrorist groups and their sponsors. Natural disasters if sustainable can have the same devastating effects as sustained terrorist attacks. The course will first assess the ongoing WOT in all its dimensions, political, military, economic, and legal in an effort to further explore the relationship between strategy and policy and possible mismatch between them. Overall, students will ultimately gain insights into the relationship between war and national security, and between domestic, regional and international dimensions of terrorism and war. They will have a better understanding and appreciation of national limitations in responding to natural catastrophes in a timely and effective manner. One recurring theme is the seeming imbalance between security on one hand, and protection of civil and human rights on the other. Another recurring theme is critical infrastructure versus non-critical infrastructure protection. Here the main issue for consideration is Risk Management. What is the nature and character of Risk Management? What role do national priorities play in risk management? Why? How would you manage the risk given the fact that a large portion of the critical infrastructure in the United States is owned and operated by the private sector?

2 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) started out by merging 22 disparate agencies with 180,000--different cultures with competing agendas and priorities. In reality there are 6 major agency players at any given time albeit DHS is a huge bureaucracy and one that must to be managed efficiently. Here the issue of restructure will be most relevant. How would YOU restructure DHS to make it more effective and more efficient (note that restructuring is not/not reforming). This section focuses on interagency cooperation and coordination at the local, state, and federal levels. As a combined concept and structure, HS revolves around two other key forms of management issues, namely Crisis Management and Consequence Management. Linked to the latter issues are the nature and character of threats and vulnerabilities to the nation emanating from terrorism (the very cause that gave rise to HS after 9/11/2001), and from other types of threats and vulnerabilities emanating from natural disasters, such as Katrina and the impending so-called Avian Flu. Crisis Management (pulling together resources and capabilities during a given disaster or as a disaster is unfolding); Consequence Management (pulling together resources and capabilities to clean up and deal with mass casualties and destruction). This may not be easy given current US military and other engagements and priorities domestically and globally. As a concept, HS involves three things: preparedness (or readiness), protection, and preemption (the three Ps), but more importantly it involves critical physical as well as human infrastructure protection. The course uses a strategic design to analyze HS and its relationship to national, state, and local readiness to meet the national security threats and vulnerabilities emanating from terrorism (the very reason why HS was introduced after the tragedy of September 11, 2001) and from natural disasters. In what ways are these two realms similar or different from one another? Both appear to be security challenges, and both if sustained could undermine America s survival as a nation. 2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES a. To understand the place of Homeland Security in the overall national security system of the United States. b. To better understand the nature and roots of terrorist political behavior and as a distinctive form of political violence. c. To come to grips with the definitional issues and problems. d. To assess the effectiveness of terrorism as an instrument of force and war.

3 e. To assess the relationship between terrorism and the rule of law. f. To compare and contrast the current terrorist threat domestically, regionally, and internationally. g. To explore the relationship between homeland security and the international security environment. h. To examine the relationship between terrorism and technology, and between terrorism and international finance. h. To understand the interagency process and the international community as response mechanisms to terrorist incidents as well as to natural disasters. 3. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS. Students will be required to read the assigned readings, and to contribute to scheduled classes. There will be three take-home analytical essays to write: two 4-5 page typed double-space analytical essays on topics I will assign, AND one typed double space page take-home comprehensive final analytical essay. All essays must utilize footnotes or endnotes and full bibliographies. All essays must be submitted on time, and must be clear and concise with central theses or arguments, well-developed and coherent analyses, and strong conclusions, fleshing out the significance and implications of the issue (s) at hand. ALL essays must integrate the required readings appropriately. Quotes from the required readings must be single space. ABSOLUTELY NO LATE ESSAYS WITHOUT A DOCUMENTED DEATH IN THE FAMILY OR A DOCUMENTED SERIOUS ILLNESS. 4. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY CODE: All papers and exams for this class are to be your own work. You are expected to be informed of the contents of the University's Academic Integrity Code and to adhere to it. Violations of the Code will not be taken lightly and disciplinary action will be taken should such violations occur. Please see me if you have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code either in general or as they apply to particular requirements of this course. Please note that you are obligated to know and abide by the academic integrity code, which can be found at: 5. REQUIRED READING: All assigned readings are required, and designed to help articulate analytical arguments both in the classroom, and in assigned papers. THE REQUIRED READINGS ARE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE. There is only ONE required books for purchase: a. Howard, Russell., et al, Homeland Security and Terrorism

4 The rest of the required reading material are on in the main Libarary on campus. 6. STUDENT EVALUATIONS & FINAL COURSE GRADE Analytical Essay I 20% Analytical Essay II 20% Final Analytical Essay 40% Class Contributions 20% 7. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER GOVERNMENT COURSES: This course seeks to increase awareness of terrorism, and its role in changing international relations. More importantly it will address the questions of national readiness, crisis and consequence management, risk management, and legal reform. We will delve into group terrorist dynamics, group terrorist motivations, state sponsorship of terrorism, and terrorism in regional contexts. Above all, we will focus on the terrorism threat today, and on US and international responses to it. More significantly, we will assess current counterterrorism policy and strategy in the war against terrorism. COURSE & READING OUTLINE PART I: NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY AND TERRORISM THREATS AND VULNERABILITIES Week of August 26, 2010: Introduction and Conceptualization (1) Required Reading: a. Howard, et al., (course text) Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages 1-30 (b) Falkenrath, Richard., Homeland Security: We Could Breath Easier and Statement Before the United States Senate. On Closed Reserve in the Library. (c) National Strategy for Homeland Security, US Government Document, On Closed Reserve in the Library. (2) Issues for Consideration (a) What is Homeland Security? (b) What is the relationship between Homeland Security and US Strategy

5 Week of Sept 2 US National Security Decision-Making System (1) Required Reading a. Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages ; b. Rothkopf, David., Running the World. On Closed Reserve in the Library. c. The National Security Strategy of the United States of America. Download entire document from d. The 9/11 Commission Report. Download from Internet (skim); Focus on Recommendations (2) Issues for Consideration (a) What are the underpinnings of National Security Strategy? (b) What are vital interests? What are the relations between national security and Homeland Security? Week of Sept 9: Nature and Character of Terrorism Threats and Vulnerabilities I Required Readings READ ANY TWO a. Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages b. Jonathan R. White, Terrorism: An Introduction, Chap. 1 and 2, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library c. Mark Matthews, Defining Terror, The Baltimore Sun, Jul 6, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library d. Wilkinson, Paul., Why Modern Terrorism, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library e. Pillar, Paul, Counterterrorism after Al Qaeda The Washington Quarterly, Summer On Closed Reserve in Library

6 Issues for Consideration (c) How does one define terrorism? (d) How does one go about bridging the gap between competing definitions? (e) Threats versus vulnerabilities Week of Sept 16: Nature and Character of Natural Disasters Threats and Vulnerabilities (1) Required Reading: a. Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages 246-=258 b. Hurricane Response Shows Gaps in Public-Private Coordination. On Closed Reserve in the Library. c. Beyond Goldwater-Nichols: U.S. Government and Defense Reform for a New Strategic Era Phase 2 Report, CSIS Summary. On Closed Reserve in the Library. (3) Issues for consideration (a) What are natural disasters? What are the key differences and similarities with terrorism-driven threats and vulnerabilities? Week of September 23 Nature and Character of the threat emanating from Al Qaeda -- The Road Ahead Required Readings a. Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages READ ANY TWO b. Reich, Walter., Understanding Terrorist Behavior, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library

7 c. Weaver, Anne Mary., The Real Bin Laden, The New Yorker, Jan 24, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library d. Miller, John., Interview Osama Bin Laden, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library e. Crenshaw, Martha., The Causes of Terrorism, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library f. Hoffman, Bruce., The Logic of Suicide Terrorism, ; Pape, Robert, The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism, in Homeland Security and Terrorism (text), pages h. Juergensmeyer, Mark., The Religious Roots on Contemporary Terrorism, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library (2) Issues for Consideration: (a) What is political extremism? (b) What is religious extremism? (c) Is religion a salient factor in today s terrorism? (d) How does suicide bombing differ from other forms of terrorism? (b) Week of Sept 23: First Take-Home Analytical Essay Problem Handed Out. Due in class next week, Sept 30, Absolutely no late submissions PART II: MANAGING THE RISK Week of Sept 30: Infrastructure Protection (1) Required Reading Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text) pages (2) Issues for Consideration (a) What is infrastructure Protection?

8 (b) What is Risk Management? Week of Oct 7: Rule of Law & the Law of War I Required Reading Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism (text), pages Issues for Consideration Same as previous week (cont) Week Oct 14: Rule of Law & the Law of War I (1) Required Reading (a) Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages ; READ ANY TWO b. American Bar Association Task Force On Terrorism and the Law, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library c. Wittes, Benjamin., Checks, Balances, and Wartime Detainees. On Closed Reserve in Library. (c) Bush Lets U.S. Spy on Callers Without Courts, In New York Times, December 16, 2005; Senate Gives Patriot Act Six More Months, CNN, December 22, 2005; Patriot Act Gets One-Month extension, CNN, Dec 23, 2005; Administration Cites War Vote in Spying Case, December 20, 2005; Senators Thwart Bush Bid to Renew Law on Terrorism, in New York Time, December 17, 2005; President Relents, Backs Torture Ban, in Washington Post, December 16, ALL On Closed Reserve in Library. d. Rishikof, HG., Law, Ethics, & Morality in the Global War on Terrorism Issues for Consideration (a) How does one reconcile the fight against terrorism with the protection of civil and human rights?

9 (b) Should terrorists be labeled combatants? (c) Are military tribunals the right solution to terrorist attacks? (d) The Patriot Act. Then and now. Week of Oct 21: Terrorism Finance 1. Required Reading CLOSED LIBRARY RESERV a. Thachuk, Kimberly., Terrorism s Financial Lifeline: Can It be Severed? Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages, On Closed Reserve in Library b. Koscak, Paul., Office Finds and Freezes Terrorist Money, On Closed Reserve in Library 2. Issues for Consideration: (a) Money Trails (b) Legitimate versus illegitimate financial transactions (money Laundering) (c) Relationship of money to terrorist operations (d) International treaties and agreements Week Oct 28: The New Homeland Security Department: Restructure and Reform 1. Required Readings: (a) Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages b. Gorman, Siobhan., Reorganization A Cautionary Tale, On Closed Reserve in Library. c. HOW TO DO IT, Excerpt from 9/11 Commission Report, On Closed Reserve in Library. (c) Information Sharing for Homeland Security, CRS Report for Congress, January 10, Download or find on Closed Reserve in Library 2. Issues for Consideration:

10 (a) Will Restructure Save the Department of Homeland Security from itself? (b) What types of reform are called for? Week of Nov 4: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Weapons (CBRN) a) Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages (1) Required Reading: (a) The Chemical and Biological Weapons Threat, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library (b) Henderson, Donald., Dangerous Fictions about Bioterrorism, The Washington Post, Nov 8, 1999, page A21. Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages, On Closed Reserve in Library (c) National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass destruction, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library (2) Issues for Consideration: (a) Are today s terrorists really interested in Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Weapons and agents? (b) What are the motivations or incentives for terrorists to acquire, assemble, and deploy, NBC weapons? (c) Real versus potential threats (d) Costs and benefits Week of Nov 11: Cyber Issues Required Readings a) Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages b. Clarke, Richard., Cyber War, (New York: CCC/HarperCollins Publishers, 2010). Pp ix- 68. Blackboard

11 Week of Nov 18: Crisis Management 1) Required Reading: READ ANY TWO (b) UN Security Council resolutions 1377 & Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library (c) President Bush Speaks to United Nations General Assembly, Nov 10, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages, On Closed Reserve in Library (d) Robert Andrews, A New Strategy for Combating Terrorism. Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages, On Closed Reserve in Library (e) Sloan, Stephen., Terrorism and Asymmetry. Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages On Closed Reserve in Library Issues for Consideration: (a) What is Crisis Management? (b) What is the role of both National Task Forces and Top Officials Exercises (c) What are joint and combined Task Forces? Week of Nov 25: Thanksgiving. NO CLASS Week of Dec 2: Consequence Management Required Readings a) Howard, et al., Homeland Security and Terrorism, (text), pages a. White, Jonathan., Terrorism, Patriotism, and Dilemmas of Law Enforcement, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, pages, On Closed Reserve in Library

12 b Government Interagency Domestic Concept of Operations Plan, in Terrorism and Counterterrorism Reader, On Closed Reserve in the Library Final Comprehensive Take-Home Analytical Essay Handed out. Due in the Govt Dept (Ward Hall 230) on Dec 14, 2010 at 6:30 pm. Absolutely NO LATE ESSAYS. A documented death in the family or a documented serious illness is the only exception.