Critical Releases in Homeland Security: October 17th, 2007

"The fear that extra-hemispheric powers would strategically deny Latin America as a friend of the United States has animated American statesmen since the 19th century. Such fear certainly pervaded the Cold war competition. Today the challenge to the security and well-being of Latin America is neither ideological, nor military, nor external. Strategic denial is more likely to come about from a highly combustible blend of poverty, crime, despair, corruption, resentment, and antidemocratic sentiments that promise a vague 21st century socialism under new authoritarian clothing. The sentiments are sinking deep roots in the sociopolitical landscape, and they are profoundly anti-American. This witch's brew is presently best understood in the case of the Andean countries, particularly Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. They, along with Peru, are experiencing a crisis of democratic legitimacy, authority, and governance. The crisis in the Andean countries applies to much of Latin America. The problem is compounded by the prevalence of weak state systems that are incapable of providing security, justice, and the benefits of democratic governance to the maximum number of people. The roots of the weak state syndrome are to be found in the persisting dualism of the formal state populated by the 'haves' and the informal state populated by the 'have nots.' The two states are socio-spatially separated from each other. The 40 percent of the population that inhabits the informal state must be productively integrated into the formal state and into the global economy, or Latin America will continue to face crises of authority, governance, and legitimacy."

"The purpose of our Strategy is to guide, organize, and unify our Nation's homeland security efforts. It provides a common framework by which our entire Nation should focus its efforts on the following four goals: 1. Prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks; 2. Protect the American people, our critical infrastructure, and key resources; 3. Respond to and recover from incidents that do occur; and 4. Continue to strengthen the foundation to ensure our long-term success. While the first three goals help to organize our national efforts, the last goal entails creating and transforming our homeland security principles, systems, structures, and institutions. This includes applying a comprehensive approach to risk management, building a culture of preparedness, developing a comprehensive Homeland Security Management System, improving incident management, better utilizing science and technology, and leveraging all instruments of national power and influence. Homeland security requires a truly national effort, with shared goals and responsibilities for protecting and defending the Homeland. Our Strategy leverages the unique strengths and capabilities of all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, communities, and individual citizens. Mindful that many of the threats we face do not recognize geographic boundaries, we also will continue to work closely with our international partners throughout the world. This updated Strategy, which builds directly from the first National Strategy for Homeland Security issued in July 2002, reflects our increased understanding of the terrorist threats con¬fronting the United States today, incorporates lessons learned from exercises and real-world catastrophes - including Hurricane Katrina - and proposes new initiatives and approaches that will enable the Nation to achieve our homeland security objectives. This Strategy also complements both the National Security Strategy issued in March 2006 and the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism issued in September 2006."

"The 500 Day Plan for Integration and Collaboration continues to build the foundation to enable the IC to work as a single, integrated enterprise so we can collaborate across critical missions, enhance our support to a wide range of customers and partners, contribute to our national security priorities, and reduce the risks that the nation faces today and in the future. [...] The 500 Day Plan focuses on six areas: 1. Create a Culture of Collaboration 2. Accelerate Information Sharing 3. Foster Collection and Analytic Transformation 4. Build Acquisition Excellence and Technology leadership 5. Modernize Business Practices 6. Clarify and Align DNI's Authorities"