Homeland Security Theory

For emergency management practitioners neck-deep in trying to get something done the "theory" of homeland security may have little meaning or application to their daily lives.  Understandably, talking about theory can get in the way of actually doing something.  I've always opted for people and organizations committed to getting something done rather than talking about the problem or issue "forever" and then never acting.  

 

With that as an introduction to the topic, please see Waiting For Homeland Security Theory by Christopher Bellavita  Chris is an academic and former practitioner.  This article appears in Homeland Security Affairs.  I generally like straight forward writing on a topic, but in this case Chris used a simulated dialog between four individuals to take on the issue of Homeland Security Theory.  I could follow it OK.  I've often stated that emergency management is in its "Tweens."  There has been so much change over the years we don't know if we are coming or going.  Like teens we might think we have a grasp on the world, but I think that is doubtful.  A little theory might help us.

 

This is not your sit down for 10 minutes and quickly read and digest the contents.  I didn't let the names of the players get into my head, but followed the dialog and the outcomes that didn't really resolve anything, but did introduce numerous concepts that we are dealing with everyday without having the academic understanding of the significance of what we are working on.  

 

The two concepts that took root in my brain was the discussion of the Homeland Security Enterprise and the complexity of issues that we deal with.  The enterprise is who and what makes up the full gamut for our lives as emergency managers.  Yes, this applies equally to fire, law enforcement and others, but many times we are the ones who are charged with weaving together a coherent approach on the topic of homeland security.  

 

Complexity is another piece of our lives.  It is discussed extensively in the article.  One of my favorite quotes is, "If it was easy it would already have been done."  Since it isn't done means it is probably complicated.  Recently I heard someone talk about Wicked Problems  They are defined as:

 

• There are many stakeholders
• The solution set is almost infinite
• The problem is entwined with other problems
• You don't know when you have solved the problem
• Wicked problems stem from complexity

While wicked doesn't mean evil it does connotate that the are at least nefarious!  
Try the article out for size and take time to let the writing digest a bit.  The more we understand what we are dealing with the better equipped we will be for finding solutions and not just be frustrated by the long road ahead of us.  And, it does go "up hill!"