Terrorism and emergency management: policy and administration

The thesis of this book is that terrorist violence can cause catastrophic destruction on a level comparable to that caused by major natural and technological disasters. Indeed, the destruction may be more than similar when terrorists use chemical, biological, or radiological weapons or their violence results in structural failures, widespread power outages, or disruption of communica tion or transportation networks. For these reasons, the problem of terrorism may be best addressed in a broader fashion than is now common. In short, the emergency management model may provide a framework that will encourage such a broad view and suggest a wide range of policy options.

To the extent that analysts and policymakers are very much concerned about the potential for terrorists to inflict catastrophic damage, the timing of this analysis may be right for a reexamina tion of antiterrorism policies. The literature on terrorist violence certainly reflects a renewed interest in nuclear terrorism and a growing concern about terrorism as an instrument of international conflict, much more economical than conventional warfare and more practical than nuclear warfare. So-called narco-terrorism, too, is generating fears. If the analysts are to be believed, the threat of terrorism is stronger now than it has ever been. Therefore, the need for comprehensive and effective programs to lessen the risk and manage the disasters that do occur is greater than it has ever been.