System Under Stress: Homeland Security and American Politics

by Kettl D

WINNER OF THE LOUIS BROWNLOW BOOK AWARD! The massive bureaucratic reorganization under the Department of Homeland Security was a response to the system-wide coordination problems brought to light on 9/11. Better planning, new leadership, and far-reaching reform were to demonstrate that the U.S. had learned its lessons well, that it would be prepared for the next attack or disaster. But the catastrophic response to Hurricane Katrina unequivocally showed how this restructuring has not brought about the kinds of long term policy changes that are necessary to deal effectively and efficiently with threats--whether manmade or natural. Is the system permanently broken? Should FEMA be removed from DHS or abolished altogether? Donald Kettl, in this thoroughly updated second edition, takes a hard look at the most recent stress on the system. He explores how the 9/11 Commission forever changed public discourse on the topic as well as discusses the ways in which FEMA might be reformed. The country faces solvable problems, he argues, yet is in dire need of new leadership at every level. In his brief, gripping narrative, Kettl assesses how well the U.S. political system responds under extraordinary pressure and asks if the focus will continue to be on fighting the last war. There is small chance the catastrophe that lies ahead will replicate the last one. Is the government ready to face that next challenge?

Genres: Political Science, Nonfiction

143 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald Kettl's thin but rich book, "System under Stress," examines homeland security and American politics. He begins by observing that most of us tend to think that things will be in the future as they were in the past, that the political system behaves in predictable ways. However, he goes on, shocks to the system raise intriguing and powerful questions. Specifically, how have the events of 9/11 affected American politics and governance?

He raises a series of key questions, such as: "But what happens to that system when a major shock shakes its foundations? What can such a profound upheaval tell us about the system's ability to respond? How does it help define the core truths and enduring principles that lie at the heart of American government? And how can we evaluate the system's response to better understand how it can adapt to the diverse challenges we are likely to face in the future?"

This volume explores a number of issues emerging from a consideration of such questions. What systemic failures led to the successful and devastating attacks on 9/11? What kind of coordination problems across government agencies need to be addressed/ What about the roles of state and local governments? How does the political system address the policy challenge of protection against threats that can never be fully eliminated? What about the balance between security and civil rights and liberties? How does a system, in short, respond to strain? Kettl uses a medical analogy: attacks like 9/11 serve as a kind of political "stress test" to diagnose what works and what does not work in the American political system.

This book is a well crafted analysis of such questions. Worth reading and worth thinking about. . . .

[Jordan Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Very insightful and informative analysis of our governmental institutions! Also, really good examples and analogies were used to further illustrate or highlight some of the many stressors that weigh on our government and its leaders altogether.

[Eloy Henrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book. So many important reflections to anyone that is interested in Public Policy and Government Management.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a pretty neat read. As someone who wan't alive during either of these events it was a fascinating opportunity to experience a glimpse of the turmoil America faced.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

System Under Stress is an interesting and provoking analysis of the homeland security system and decision-making process. Kettl offers an insightful critique of the successes and failures of the Presidency, the Congress, executive agencies, and state and local governments in their efforts to prevent, respond to and mitigate catastrophic events caused by terrorist and natural hazards. Very readable.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book did a fairly good job of presenting the information from an unbiased viewpoint. It was nice to see the facts presented in a way that did not force a conclusion down your throat.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've ever read on policy change after disasters. The author does an excellent job of examining the effects of September 11th, and is very approachable.

[Haileyjett · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a text book this was a really good read...

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the analogy. It was a good constant theme to return to and helped to simplify a very complex legal and political topic.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read much of Kettl's writing about stress on systems. I am not in a position to do anything about it, but it does have application to anyone heavily involved in regulation and legislation.

[Em Chitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting (!) book on the government's response to the challenges of the post 9/11 period.