Some political science professors have come to the conclusion that though the United States might now be more prepared to handle familiar terrorist attacks in large areas, the country should still be concerned with other forms of terrorism and the potential for attacks in less populated areas.
MU political science professor Cooper Drury said the terror threat does not mean being concerned about one person or group.
“The problem with terrorists is that there isn’t one big threat,” Drury said. “It could come from anywhere. It’s sort of like trying to name the criminal who will break into your house. You can make some broad guesses as to what they are like, but you can’t name them.”
Not only is the enemy largely unknown, so is the target. UM-St. Louis political science professor David Robertson said the country remains vulnerable to other types of terrorist attacks.
“We are better prepared for Al Qaeda if they repeat their 2001 attacks, and we are better prepared for attacks on airplanes, but we are vulnerable to other kinds of attacks,” he said. “The public is less prepared for a terrorist attack from American citizens, on a less visible target, like a water supply, a train or the Internet.”
Although many Americans complain about increased security at places such as airports, Drury said overall security efforts investigating threats have increased appropriately.
“We haven’t been hit again on U.S. soil in almost 10 years in part because of the increased efforts to stop and hunt down the threats,” he said. “I wouldn’t say that means we are ‘safe’ but the efforts of (the Department of Homeland Security) and the (Department of Defense) have had an impact and limited many terrorist organizations.”
Robertson said most of the changes to U.S. security have been done via airport security.
“Many changes were made to tighten security at federal buildings and monuments that attract tourists, and at airports,” Robertson said.
He said the executive branch is responsible for the national response in these situations.
“Because this is a national security issue, the president and the executive branch take the lead role,” he said.
Robertson said the U.S. has tried to be proactive in creating the Department of Homeland Security.
But Robertson said the biggest threat to the U.S. is the attack that the U.S. doesn’t expect.
“We most expect some kind of a foreign terrorist attack on a very visible target, like a plane or a physical landmark,” he said.
Robertson said the American public is less prepared for a terrorist attack by American citizens or an attack on a less visible target, as well as less populated areas.