Improving the Security of the U.S. Aeronautical Domain: Adopting an Intelligence-Led, Risk-Based Strategy and Partnership

摘要

Nine years after the 9/11 attacks-and despite the passage of federal legislation, the creation of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the appropriation of billions of dollars for this nation's security-the National Aeronautical Domain (NAD) is still vulnerable to exploitation and attack. Indeed, as has been evidenced time and again since September 11, 2001, ideologically-driven actors remain committed to exploiting the residual weaknesses of the U.S. aviation security apparatus. This thesis examines three critical areas within the U.S. aviation security system and concludes that, in order to effectively and efficiently reduce the nation's exposure to aviation- based acts of terrorism, both federal and local levels of collaboration in the following areas is urgently required: (1) improved sharing of threat intelligence information; (2) identification and uniform utilization of a specific risk-assessment methodology; and; adaptation of an intelligence-led policing management model within the aviation security field. In order to achieve the strategic goal of protecting the United States through its aeronautical domain, each of the subject areas referenced is discussed as an interdisciplinary process. Finally, the aviation-related security procedures of three allied nations are examined to determine if other democratically governed countries have achieved success in the same areas.