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New Challenges in Critical Infrastructures: A US Perspective
Author(s) -
MichelKerjan Erwann
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of contingencies and crisis management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.007
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1468-5973
pISSN - 0966-0879
DOI - 10.1111/1468-5973.1103008
Subject(s) - unrest , terrorism , political science , preparedness , presidential system , politics , globalization , public relations , public administration , economic growth , economics , law
The emergence of a larger spectrum of threats – terrorism, sabotage, local conflicts, political unrest, and natural disasters – combined with the growing globalisation of economic activities, makes networks highly vulnerable. Rethinking national vulnerabilities requires the creation and the improvement of long‐term public‐private partnerships. This article discusses the US Presidential initiative launched in 1996 –the first initiative world wide to put these issues on the top‐level agenda– as well as the national structure of developed partnerships. It might constitute a starting point for other countries to develop their own national strategy, adapting it of course to their own national particularities. Terrorist attacks in 2001 show, however, that such an initiative is nothing but a first step in a general process to build preparedness nation wide; America still remains highly vulnerable. I conclude with a few myths that must be confronted to deal more efficiently with these new large‐scale risks at an international level.