CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ARCHIVES
Fortress at Risk: Critical Infrastructure and Violent Extremism
Thomas Brzozowski
August 27, 2025
Extremism gives rise to individuals, groups, and networks who see critical infrastructure as a prime target for violence. In reality, the concept of a shared-responsibility model can falter under the strain of a cascading failure. Preparation depends less on policy and more on practiced coordination before an incident occurs.
A Sixth Framework? Civil Defense and the Future of Emergency Management
George M. Schwartz
August 27, 2025
Comprehensive emergency management in the U.S. evolved from World War II and Cold War-era civil defense, but today, civil defense plays little to no role in emergency management policy. With most Americans expecting a major conflict within the next decade, it is time for a sixth framework.
The Evolving Landscape of Domestic Extremism
Richard Schoeberl
August 20, 2025
Extremism in its many forms remains a growing threat in the U.S. There is heightened concern about ongoing violent extremist reactions to both domestic sociopolitical developments and international events that may be used to justify attacks. Countering this threat requires a comprehensive strategy, including improved intelligence efforts, stronger partnerships, and
Preparing Small Communities for Terrorist Attacks
Rodney Andreasen
August 13, 2025
Terrorist attacks have broad psychological, social, and economic impacts that often extend beyond the initial target. While large cities are typical targets due to their prominence, smaller communities are not immune, and an attack could overwhelm limited resources and devastate a community.
Public Order Policing Units in Disasters
Robert Leverone
June 18, 2025
Modern disasters highlight the critical need for effective crowd control and management, especially when people are deprived of essential resources. The role of specialized law enforcement units in managing crowds is vital to ensuring that disaster response efforts can reach and assist victims efficiently and peacefully.
A Holistic Strategy for Responders’ Well-Being
Camilo Olivieri
May 7, 2025
First responders and emergency managers face constant, high-pressure stress from trauma, long hours, and critical decisions. This often leads to chronic stress, increasing risks of heart disease, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Their ability to help others depends on prioritizing their own well-being through proactive self-care.
Bridging Communication Gaps: Lessons from Hurricane Helene
Greg Hauser
April 30, 2025
Hurricanes in 2024 caused widespread damage to infrastructure, leading to a critical but often overlooked issue: isolation. Physical and technological disruptions left public safety personnel and government officials unable to perform essential tasks. While physical destruction was visible, the invisible breakdown of communication systems intensified the sense of isolation and
Connectivity: The Foundation of Disaster Response and Preparedness
Cory Davis
April 30, 2025
In an era of increasingly frequent and severe weather events, the demands on first responders have never been greater. To navigate high-stakes, rapidly evolving situations, reliable connectivity and cutting-edge technology are essential. A fast, secure, and resilient communications network is the backbone of any effective disaster response.
Emergency Alerts: The Missing Link
Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso
April 23, 2025
As satellite-to-cell technology grows more common, cell phone makers must move quickly to adopt it. This link can bridge emergency services and the public, no matter the disaster or condition of ground networks. Learn how real-time satellite communication saves lives by offering vital access for users and first responders.
Agriculture Security: Systems-Based Preparedness
Joshua Dise and Adrian Self
March 26, 2025
As economies and populations grow, the food and agricultural security is of increasing concern. This demands proactive investment in risk management and security measures to ensure the sustainability of the global food supply.
Agricultural Supply Chain Vulnerability: A Freight Rail Disruption Case Study
Michael Sharon and Randy Treadwell
March 19, 2025
The agricultural supply chain’s global interdependency introduces considerable vulnerability. The failure or weakening of even one of the supply chain links has cascading effects. Awareness of potential catastrophe across sectors is crucial to emergency preparedness.
Agroterrorism: A Persistent but Overlooked Threat
Dan Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr
March 19, 2025
Agroterrorism is not new. Considered a subset of bioterrorism, it has become an increasing concern to the U.S. With so much of the agriculture sector in private hands, preparedness leaders must take extra steps to engage stakeholders and incorporate them into planning efforts.
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