Airport and Aviation Security: U.S. Policy and Strategy in the Age of Global Terrorism

by Bartholomew Elias

Overview

The response of the U.S. federal government to the events of September 11, 2001 has reflected the challenge of striking a balance between implementing security measures to deter terrorist attacks while at the same time limiting disruption to air commerce. Airport and Aviation Security: U.S. Policy and Strategy in the Age of Global Terrorism is a comprehensive reference that examines the persistent threats to aviation security that led up to the terrorist attacks of September 11^th, describes subsequent terror plots against aviation assets, and explores U.S. efforts to counter and mitigate these threats.

Addressing the homeland security challenges facing the U.S. in the age of terrorism, this text explores:

• Security protocol prior to 9/11
• Precursors to 9/11
• The rising threat of Al Qaeda
• Tactical and congressional response to 9/11, including new legislation
• The broader context of risk assessment
• Intelligence gathering
• Airport security, including passenger, baggage, and employee screening
• Airline in-flight security measures
• Airport perimeter security
• The threat of shoulder-fired missiles
• Security for GA (general aviation) operations and airports

Beginning with a historical backdrop describing the dawn of the age of global terrorism in the 1960s and continuing up until the present time, the book demonstrates the broad social and political context underlying recent changes in the aviation security system as a direct result of the 9/11 attacks. Coverage examines ongoing threats and vulnerabilities to the aviation infrastructure, including an exploration of how past terrorist incidents have come to shape U.S. policy and strategy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781420070293
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/14/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	440
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Bart Elias is a specialist in aviation policy for the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) in Washington, DC.

Table of Contents

Pre-9/11 Threats to Aviation Security and the U.S. Policy Response. The 9/11 Attacks and the Ensuing Policy Debate. Policy Refinement in Response to the Evolving Terrorist Threat. The U.S. Strategy for Combatting Terror Threats to the Aviation Domain. Evaluating and Managing Security Risks. Exploiting Intelligence and Counterterrorism Information. Passenger and Baggage Screening. Airline In-Flight Security Measures. Commercial Airport Access Controls and Perimeter Security. Mitigating the Threat of Shoulder-Fired Missiles and Other Standoff Weapons. Air Cargo Security. Security for GA Operations and Airports. Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Elias is uniquely qualified to write this text. … Lessons learned in this book will help in any security program.
— Derek Knights, CPP, PCI in Security Management

Editorial Reviews

Elias is uniquely qualified to write this text. … Lessons learned in this book will help in any security program.
— Derek Knights, CPP, PCI in Security Management

"To date I have read no better executive‐level examination of asymmetric, home‐grown, and insider terrorist threats."
—General Aviation Security Magazine

Elias is uniquely qualified to write this text. … Lessons learned in this book will help in any security program.
— Derek Knights, CPP, PCI in Security Management

"To date I have read no better executive‐level examination of asymmetric, home‐grown, and insider terrorist threats."
—General Aviation Security Magazine

From the Publisher