Defense of Critical Infrastructure
Abstract
Accompanied by a new play of forces and dynamics, the age of geopolitics is giving way to the age of geoeconomics. Within our national security apparatus a strong tendency still exists to view foreign and domestic problems from a nineteenth century perspective. America's predominant leadership role, national resolve and power are being tested more frequently in a world free of the bipolar constrains of the Cold War. To obtain the desired synergistic relationship among economic, diplomatic, and military elements of power our National Security Strategy must conduct an unambiguous assessment of our interests, threats, and requirements in this emerging world order. The likely near term threats to our security will avoid America's military strengths and be directed toward the more accessible targets, our national resolve and economy. An asymmetric strike against our critical infrastructures seems the most likely means of attack. Electric power, telecommunications and transportation are among those systems whose incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on the defense and economic security of our nation. In recognition of America's dependency and vulnerability, the Department of Defense should be brought center stage in a role of Homeland Defense to protect our national infrastructures. systems whose incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on the defense and economic security of our nation. In recognition of America's dependency and vulnerability, the Department of Defense should be brought center stage in a role of Homeland Defense to protect our national infrastructures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363901
Entities
People
- Lester H. Letterman
Organizations
- United States Army War College