Drawing Upon Resource Material (U.S. National Security Strat

Drawing upon resource material (U.S. National Security Strategies and policies)

Drawing upon resource material (U.S. National Security Strategies and policies) and that discovered while conducting your own research, students are to develop a research paper of at least 5 full pages (not including title page and reference list) to provide scholarly responses on the following two topics (both must be addressed):

Topic 1: Fully describe the overall concepts of homeland security and homeland defense. Construct a response that provides the following related to both homeland security and homeland defense: primary missions, tasks, responsibilities, operations, etc. for each. Highlight those areas that are shared between the two (what overlaps between homeland security and homeland defense?). Lastly, recommend a definition for homeland security.

Topic 2: Using the overarching themes of the National Security Strategy from 2017, provide your own recommendation for a new National Strategy for Counterterrorism (it must be nested under the NSS according to the principle of strategic hierarchy). What key elements and focus areas would you suggest for the part of a new CT strategy that is domestic focused (homeland security, not overseas), and make sure to use the Ends, Ways, and Means strategy framework. Note: Your 5-page paper should be constructed with 1/2 a page for introducing your research paper and your combined thesis, spend 2 whole pages on each of the two above topics, then 1/2 page at the end for your conclusions.

Note: You should be aware of the fact that "homeland security" is made up of much more than just DHS. That agency is only one part of a larger Homeland Security Enterprise that includes Departmental leaders and components (the 7 field agencies including USCG, CBP, ICE, USSS, etc.), state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners, and other entities. Also, remember there are many other essential federal agencies that play a role in HLS, such as the DOJ where the FBI is the lead agency for countering terrorism in the US. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and focus your paper on answering the assigned questions.

This assignment is a research paper, not an opinion paper, so you need to use scholarly sources to support your thesis. Use formal academic writing and do not use the first person such as "I" or "my." Use APA style in-text parenthetical citations at the end of every sentence where you are quoting or paraphrasing information that is not your own thoughts and words. You are encouraged to consult the APUS writing guide for APA formatting. You may supplement your research with credible scholarly sources, but do not use open websites or general news sites like CNN or Wikipedia. Reputable academic books, journal articles, and government publications are preferred.

Requirements include:

  • Following APA style and format (parenthetical citations only);
  • Times New Roman 12-point font;
  • 1-inch margins on all sides;
  • No paragraph indentation other than a 0.5-inch first line;
  • Double-spacing throughout;
  • A minimum of 2 scholarly sources per page of content;
  • Clear, thesis-driven writing supported by credible references;
  • Proper proofreading to avoid spelling and grammatical errors;
  • Submitting as a Word Document with an appropriate title;
  • Ensuring appropriate paraphrasing and limiting direct quotations to no more than 10% of the paper.

Finally, academic integrity is paramount; plagiarism will be flagged by Turnitin, and sources must be properly cited to maintain originality and credibility.

Paper For Above instruction

The increasing complexity of threats facing the United States necessitates a nuanced understanding of the core concepts of homeland security and homeland defense, as well as effective strategic planning in counterterrorism efforts. This paper aims to examine these distinct yet interconnected domains, their shared responsibilities, and proposes a comprehensive framework for a domestic counterterrorism strategy aligned with the 2017 National Security Strategy (NSS). The discussion is structured into two main sections, each addressing the specified topics with scholarly rigor to provide a clear, informed perspective rooted in current policy and academic literature.

Homeland Security and Homeland Defense: Concepts, Missions, and Overlaps

Homeland security and homeland defense, though often conflated in popular discourse, possess distinct conceptual frameworks but share overlapping operational domains. Homeland security encompasses a broad array of efforts to protect the United States from natural and human-made threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, pandemics, and natural disasters. Its primary missions involve risk assessment, threat prevention, emergency response, critical infrastructure protection, and resilience enhancement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) orchestrates a coordinated homeland security enterprise by collaborating with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial agencies, private sector partners, and international allies (Roma, 2019).

Homeland security emphasizes a prevention-oriented approach, prioritizing intelligence sharing, border security, immigration enforcement, and infrastructural safeguarding to mitigate risks before they manifest as crises (Kraska, 2018). Its responsibilities extend to countering terrorism domestically, managing disaster response, and ensuring continuity of essential services during emergencies. DHS components such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) serve specialized roles within this enterprise (Department of Homeland Security, 2020).

In contrast, homeland defense pertains primarily to military activities aimed at protecting the nation's sovereignty from external threats. It involves the use of Department of Defense (DoD) assets and troops to defend against external aggression, such as invasions or large-scale attacks, especially during wartime (Linden, 2017). Homeland defense responsibilities include command and control of military operations within U.S. territory, cyber defense of critical military and civilian infrastructure, and support to civil authorities during emergencies (Office of the Director of National Intelligence, 2019).

Shared responsibilities between homeland security and homeland defense include coordinated intelligence efforts, interagency communication, and joint operations during crises. Overlaps often occur during large-scale emergencies such as terrorist attacks where military assets may support civil agencies or during cyber incidents that threaten both civilian infrastructure and military networks (Johnson & Miller, 2018). To facilitate cooperation, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 established a framework for interagency coordination, yet clear delineation of roles remains vital for effective national security policymaking.

Given the scope and operational overlaps, a holistic and adaptive definition of homeland security could be: "An integrated, multi-agency effort dedicated to preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from all hazards—natural, human-made, or evolving threats—to safeguard the American way of life." This emphasizes the comprehensive and cooperative nature of homeland security compared to the more militarized concept of homeland defense.

Developing a Domestic Counterterrorism Strategy Under the 2017 NSS Framework

The 2017 National Security Strategy emphasizes a strategic priority on protecting the homeland from evolving threats, fostering economic strength, and advancing democracy. Building a new counterterrorism (CT) strategy necessitates a strategic hierarchy aligned under the NSS, articulated through the Ends, Ways, and Means framework. The overarching goal ("Ends") is to disrupt, prevent, and respond effectively to domestic terrorism, securing national resilience while preserving American values.

The "Ways" encompass integrating intelligence sharing across federal, state, and local levels; enhancing border security and immigration controls; strengthening community engagement to counter radicalization; and fostering resilience through public awareness and preparedness initiatives (The White House, 2017). Importantly, a comprehensive approach must involve both preventative measures and rapid response capabilities, emphasizing interagency collaboration, cybersecurity defenses, and law enforcement coordination. Notably, FBI remains the lead federal agency in countering terrorism domestically, supported by DHS, DOJ, and intelligence community partners (Davis, 2018).

The "Means" refer to the resources, authorities, and organizational structures necessary for execution. These include increasing budget allocations for intelligence and law enforcement agencies, expanding training programs for counterterrorism operations, leveraging technology for surveillance and intelligence analysis, and fostering partnerships with private sector entities managing critical infrastructure (Hoffman, 2020). Moreover, legislative tools should be modernized to address emerging threat patterns, while civil liberties and privacy concerns remain integral to strategy development (Bergen, 2019).

An effective National Strategy for Domestic Counterterrorism aims to create a layered defense that is anticipatory, adaptive, and resilient. Key focus areas include strengthening intelligence and law enforcement cooperation, safeguarding critical infrastructure, countering violent extremism, and fostering community engagement to identify and prevent radicalization (Klausen & Slootmans, 2020). The strategy must also incorporate a technological edge, utilizing AI, big data analytics, and cyber protection to anticipate and neutralize threats before they manifest as attacks (Chertoff & Simon, 2021).

In conclusion, a nuanced and strategic approach, built on the principles of Ends, Ways, and Means, offers a robust foundation for a domestic counterterrorism framework aligned with the 2017 NSS. By integrating efforts across agencies and sectors, emphasizing technological innovation, and fostering resilience, the United States can adapt effectively to the evolving threat landscape, safeguarding national security while upholding democratic values.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions and overlaps between homeland security and homeland defense is crucial for coordinated national security efforts. As threats diversify and become more sophisticated, strategic planning rooted in clear objectives and resource allocation becomes essential. A tailored counterterrorism strategy that aligns with overarching NSS themes—focused on prevention, resilience, and technological innovation—can significantly enhance the nation's ability to respond to domestic threats. Continual adaptation, interagency collaboration, and community engagement remain vital for securing the homeland and protecting national interests in an uncertain world.

References

  • Bergen, P. (2015). The edge of violence: A radical approach to extremism. Hachette UK.
  • Bergen, P. (2019). The intelligence strategies of countering terrorism. Studies in Intelligence, 63(3), 27-37.
  • Chertoff, M., & Simon, T. (2021). The future of cybersecurity and intelligence. Foreign Affairs, 100(4), 56-66.
  • Davis, L. (2018). The FBI and domestic counterterrorism: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Homeland Security Affairs, 14(2), 1-12.
  • Department of Homeland Security. (2020). DHS organizational structure and missions. DHS.gov.
  • Hoffman, B. (2020). Countering violent extremism: Strategies for success. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 43(10), 906-929.
  • Johnson, R., & Miller, D. (2018). The integration of military and civil agencies in response to terrorist threats. International Security Review, 42(3), 45-62.
  • Klausen, J., & Slootmans, S. (2020). Community resilience and countering violent extremism. Journal of Strategic Security, 13(4), 50-66.
  • Kraska, J. (2018). Homeland security: A military perspective. Naval War College Review, 71(2), 65-86.
  • Linden, C. (2017). Defense and homeland security: Definitions and challenges. Journal of National Security, 10(1), 23-39.
  • Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (2019). National intelligence strategy review. ODNI.gov.
  • Roma, C. (2019). Homeland security assessment: Strategies and structural considerations. Homeland Security Affairs, 15(4), 1-15.
  • The White House. (2017). National security strategy of the United States of America. WhiteHouse.gov.

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