Homeland Security: Assessing the First Five Years

by Michael Chertoff, Lee H. Hamilton (Foreword)

In 2003, the President and the U.S. Congress established the Department of Homeland Security. From the beginning, its mission was prevent terrorist attacks, protect against threats to America's safety and security, and prepare the nation to respond effectively to disasters, both natural and man-made. This monumental mission demands a comprehensive strategy. It also requires a crystal-clear explanation of that strategy to Americans and their allies worldwide. In a revealing new book, Homeland Assessing the First Five Years , Michael Chertoff provides that explanation. In a refreshingly candid and engaging manner, America's former homeland security secretary depicts the department's long-term approach, what it has achieved, and what it has yet to do.

The strategy begins with the threats America faces, from terrorist groups like al Qaeda to hurricanes like Ike or Gustav. "Once these threats are identified," Chertoff writes, "we can confront them, using every tool at our disposal. We can stop terrorists from entering the country, and discourage people from embracing terrorism by combating its lethal ideology. We can protect our critical assets and reduce our vulnerabilities to natural disasters. We can plan and prepare for emergencies and respond in a way that minimizes the consequences. And we can work closely with our allies abroad to reduce the risk of future disasters." In each of these areas, Chertoff informs the reader what the nation has done and what it still must do to secure its future.

How well has this strategy fared in a post-9/11 world? Since that fateful day, there have been no global terror attacks on American soil. Yet in the face of continued dangers, Michael Chertoff warns repeatedly against complacency. He urges America and its leaders to strengthen their resolve, stay the course, and build creatively on past successes.

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Michael Chertoff is an American attorney who was the second United States Secretary of Homeland Security, serving under President George W. Bush. He was the co-author of the USA PATRIOT Act.

Reviews

[Wayland Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insider look at the formation of the Department of Homeland Security and its first few years of operation. Somewhat dated now, but still a decent read if you're at all interested in this area of knowledge.

He did call a few things that have already happened, which shows a good degree of knowledge and insight. I can't say it was a thrilling read, but there were some ideas and concepts that made me think.

[Ashley]

This book was an assigned reading for one of my courses on Homeland Security for graduate school. I feel it is harder to review a textbook but it is fairly repetitive and by this time already feels somewhat out-dated. I appreciate Mr. Chertoff’s service to the country but kind of wish someone with a bit more artistic flair had written about this topic in a more interesting way.

[Tyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and repeditive. This book is just risk management on steroids.