Cross-disciplinary Analysis and Definitional Challenges

Multifaceted approaches in homeland security need to be rooted in cross-disciplinary analysis, and practitioners and leaders in homeland security need to be capable analysts, using state of the art knowledge and methodologies.

As pointed out in the introduction to the textbook, Cross-disciplinary Perspectives on Homeland and Civil Security,

"Homeland security is about risk management in a dynamic all-hazards context that defines its evolving mission space. This does not mean that its objective is to address all and any hazards that might emerge. Policies and strategies in the U.S. and elsewhere have pointed out that in order to be effective (and affordable), homeland security needs to be selective, focusing on 'the greatest risks' to security, or on those that are responsive to our strategies and technological tools. If the risk-informed approach to prioritizing civil security efforts and resources is followed consistently, we may see practices as well as political and institutional designations change over time because the definition of, and response to, risk is not only evidence based, but also culturally driven. Thus, security is neither implementation of the obvious nor ontological, but an ongoing controversy. A cross-disciplinary perspective is essential for an actionable, balanced view." (p. 1)

The evolving multifaceted character of homeland security poses a couple of definitional challenges. The textbook offers some working definitions, including of some important analytical concepts, in a Glossary (pp. 247-257) and that is part of this lesson's required readings. 

To start with, the definition of homeland security itself is contested, or at least ambiguous, as described in this lesson's readings:

• Jerome Kahan: "What's in a Name? The Meaning of Homeland Security," Journal of Homeland Security Education 2 (2013).
• Shawn Reese: Defining Homeland Security: Analysis and Congressional Considerations. Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report R42462, January 8, 2013.

One way to reconcile those different perspectives is to apply the "lens model" as described in the following lesson reading:

• Linda Kiltz and James D. Ramsay: "Perceptual Framing of Homeland Security.”Homeland Security Affairs 8 Article 16 (August 2012).

Not only homeland security as an enterprise can be looked at through the lenses of different disciplines and domains, but also the terms used to define homeland security core missions are sometimes defined differently. However, whereas there is no statutory definition of the homeland or of homeland security, legal definitions of terrorism exist, as exemplified by the following lesson reading: 

• Title 22 of the USC (United States Code), which includes a definition of “international terrorism,” “terrorism,” and “terrorist group.”