Multi-Layered Defense and Initiated Attack in Defending the Homeland

The end of the twentieth century witnessed a dramatic transformation of the battle eld, and classical warfare between armies and states became relatively rare. Warfare on the modern battle eld is usually asymmetrical, fought between a state and a non-state enemy, or between two nonstate entities. Armed groups target civilians in order to change a state’s modus operandi and policies. This type of warfare is commonly known as terrorism. The shock of the 9/11 attacks in the United States, and subsequent attacks in Europe, Iraq, and many other places around the world have thrust the world into a new reality. The threat of explosive devices and suicide attacks has been joined by the threat of rockets and missiles and the threat of cyberspace warfare. This new reality demands an improved response to the complex and dynamic threats of terrorism, speci cally, a comprehensive approach and the investment of signi cant resources that can generate an effective response. If indeed the world is engaged in a global war on terrorism, what is the optimal way to defend against it? Should the response be focused on defensive aspects or should offensive ones augment defensive measures? Who are the enemies and where is the battle zone? This essay examines these questions from an historical perspective in order to draw conclusions and attempt to formulate some insights about the right strategy and most effective tactics involving technology as a critical component in the response to this type of warfare.