Major Events that are Critical to National Security

Major Events that are Critical to National Security
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Major Events that are Critical to National Security
National security has been one of the major concerns across the United States since the country’s establishment. Over the years, the country has encountered significant threats on its national borders that compromise the effective operation of critical infrastructures. Besides, the country faces natural disasters and cyber threats as substantial challenges that compromise national security. For that reason, the federal government focuses on national security to safeguard the country against threats. Through national security, the law enforcement agencies collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to identify potential dangers and formulate strategies to enhance stability. The 9/11 terrorist attacks, the sunburst hack on the energy department, and the creation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were significant events since the formation of the United States.
9/11 Attacks
September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the world trade center was one of the significant events that occurred in the history of the United States. The event resulted in numerous deaths and the destruction of critical infrastructures. The 9/11 attacks were the deadliest in the United States since the shock occurrence at Pearl Harbor. Al-Qaeda was the Islamic terrorist organization responsible for executing the 9/11 attacks (Hafez & Mullins, 2015). In addition, the destruction of the world trade center and other critical infrastructures harmed the economy following the global economic recession. As a result, the federal government realized the need to strengthen anti-terrorism legislation and expanded the powers of law enforcement agencies.
The 9/11 terror attack had a significant impact on the United States' national security. For instance, the federal government implemented security procedures, such as continuous monitoring to restore confidence in air travel. Besides, the country enhanced intelligence capabilities to track down the operations of terrorists. According to Hafez and Mullins (2015), intelligence agencies enhanced counterterrorism partnerships across the world to prevent terror attacks in the future. Therefore, the 9/11 terror attack changed the attitudes and concerns of the United States on privacy, vigilance, and safety. In addition, the United States has attained significant gains in border security. For instance, the country established new institutions, such as the Directorate of National Intelligence, National Counterterrorism Center, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The United States can embark on practical counterterrorism efforts to prevent incidents, such as the 9/11 terror attack. For instance, law enforcement officers should collaborate with community members to create awareness and avoid terror attacks. In such a case, the key stakeholders would identify any suspicious activities and address them before they occur. Equally, effective communication between key stakeholders, such as emergency management personnel, clinicians, and first responders, can facilitate a coordinated response to enhancing border security. Lastly, the United States ne...