Analysis of Terrorism and Homeland Security Strategies Discussion

This discussion board post reflects on the effectiveness of the US Department of Homeland Security in combating terrorism, examining the creation of new legislations and agencies like the US Secret Service. The author acknowledges the complexity of international terrorism, emphasizing its multifaceted nature and the need for comprehensive strategies. The post discusses the challenges in evaluating current strategies, considering the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations, including the use of technology and cryptocurrencies. The author highlights the importance of cutting off capital supply to terrorists and the value of peer reviews and diverse sources in expanding knowledge on the topic. References to key literature are provided, enriching the analysis of homeland security and terrorism management.

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I must admit that the previous discussions and assignments has enabled me understand
how US Department of Homeland Security is working to avert and prevent terrorism and other
national security threats through creation of new legislations and by forming agencies such as
US. Secret Service. This is a commendable job and it is a sign of commitment of the US
administration to protect its citizens (Baggett & Simpkins, 2018). However, one of the
compelling topics is how to evaluate and measure effectiveness of current strategies under
Department of Homeland Security. Can we conclude that the current strategies are
comprehensive and effective to prevent future terrorism activities? While trying to answer this
question, what came to my mind is that international terrorism is very complex phenomenon that
requires multifaceted strategies. As a socio-political phenomenon, international terrorism reflects
the conflict interaction of various forces, the basis of which, as a rule, is the struggle for power or
the possession of material and spiritual values. Terrorism has never developed continuously and
sequentially. It flourished there and then, where and when the soil favorable for its occurrence
appeared. World experience shows that the outbreaks of terrorism marked those historical
periods, which are characterized by aggravation of contradictions in the socio-political sphere,
the breakdown of public relations, a change in state structure, lack of stability, manifestations of
nationalism and separatism, and rampant crime (Moriarty, 2017).
By participating in discussion, I realized that terrorism is a broad topic that cannot be
addressed in single discussion. This means that one can hardly speak of world terrorism as a
kind of force with a single center. It’s just that various terrorist acts fit into a series of events,
which are conditionally called international terrorism. Moreover, they have one focus, being, so
to speak, events of one field. That is why despite measures taken by the United States to combat

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terrorism, the threat of new attacks by extremists does not diminish. Everywhere there is an
increase in the activity of terrorist organizations and their financing structures. This could also be
the reason why the military operation under the auspices of NATO in Afghanistan did not
achieve its objectives. All these shows that there are no prerequisites for the country's socio-
economic recovery, the security situation remains tense, the drug trade is developing
(Gaibulloev, Oyun & Younas, 2019).
Participating in discussion widened my perspective on homeland security and terrorism
management. Through discussion, I learnt the strengths and weakness of the homeland security.
Cutting the capital supply of terrorist is one of the noblest move (Lansford & Pauly Jr, 2016).
Capital supply is used to fuel the terrorism activities and hence by cutting the supply, it is easy to
corner the terrorist acts. However, more ought to be done because technology is changing the
way things are done. For example, emergence of cryptocurrencies and bitcoins may make it hard
to identify all financial transactions.
Lastly, I believe that reading different sources helps yield additional valuable
information. In addition, peer reviews will help in expanding one’s knowledge because each
student has unique idea. Through peer review, additional valuable information can easily be
realized.

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References
Baggett, R. K., & Simpkins, B. K. (2018). Homeland security and critical infrastructure
protection. ABC-CLIO.
Gaibulloev, K., Oyun, G., & Younas, J. (2019). Terrorism and subjective financial well-being:
micro-level evidence from Pakistan. Public Choice, 178(3-4), 493-512.
Lansford, T., & Pauly Jr, R. J. (2016). To protect and defend: US homeland security policy.
Routledge
Moriarty, L. J. (2017). Criminal justice technology in the 21st century. Charles C Thomas
Publisher.