Assessing the Iran Deal
Jerome H. Kahan
May 25, 2016
With the United States as de facto leader, the five members of the United Nations Security Council
plus Germany – the so called “5+1” club – spent over two years negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan
of Action (JCPOA), or so-called “nuclear deal,” which is expected to reduce the danger of Iran acquiring
nuclear weapons. However, the nuclear deal is not seen by all as a “good deal.”
Border Control Challenges – A Roundtable Discussion
Robert C. Hutchinson and Catherine L. Feinman
May 25, 2016
The topic of borders – ports of entry, security, and public health concerns – has become politicized, and the focus on true border security has been somewhat lost. Educating politicians and instilling practicality in the public are necessary before any effective border security policy changes can be made. A recent roundtable discussion addressed these critical issues.
Tapping Media for Credible Disaster Communication
Steven Johnson
May 24, 2016
Few preparations made in anticipation of a disaster pay bigger dividends than how the team communicates with the news media and the public during a disaster. Seamless and coordinated communication
Porous Borders & Cultivated Threats
Richard Schoeberl
May 18, 2016
As the United States embarks on the 2016 presidential campaign, the great debate on immigration and border security continues to be a blistering topic. However, controlling the borders is far more than just immigration control, it is about providing national security and protecting the American people from the threats that loom on the horizon.
Planning in Miami for Changes in Cuba
Manuel A. Morales
May 18, 2016
Changes in the relationship between the United States and Cuba have come fast and furious since the December 2014 announcement by the Obama administration that diplomatic relations would resume between the two former foes. Understanding past incidents will help the nation address current and future concerns as movement between these two countries increases.
National Threats: Advice for the Next President
Mark-Jon Nichols
May 18, 2016
Four key threats the nation faces will follow the next president of the United States into office.
These threats are not new, but will increase if not effectively addressed. Whoever is elected for this
leadership position must be equipped with the right information in order to prioritize and make tough
decisions regarding these threats.
Inexperience – Filling the Void
Romeo Lavarias
May 17, 2016
In response to 9/11, the United States instituted one of the most massive changes in government with the creation and development of the Department of Homeland Security. Since then, a combination of massive attrition, personnel retirements, and complacency due to lack of new disasters has created a void of experienced personnel that must be addressed.
A Checklist for Rethinking Crisis Communications
Thomas Wahle
May 17, 2016
Crisis communications planning is key to any emergency preparedness effort. One reason that so many
organizations struggle with communications when crises strike may be that they focused their planning
efforts on the crisis plan document without creating a shared vision of desired outcomes. They failed to
define what they actually needed to do to communicate.
Space Weather – A Historic Shift in Emergency Preparedness
Charles (Chuck) L. Manto
May 15, 2016
For the first time since the demise of the civil defense program of the Cold War, the federal government has made one of the most significant modifications to its emergency preparedness message. A three-day emergency kit is no longer sufficient to prepare for emerging threats, whether coming from Earth or from space.
Florida – Doing More With Volunteers
Freddy Zelaya Jr. and Romeo Lavarias
May 11, 2016
Today’s disasters are more frequent and more complex than ever before. Although governments at all levels have risen to the occasion by training personnel and securing equipment and resources, there will always be a lack of manpower. This gap has been addressed using volunteers, who – despite having the best of intentions to help those in need – often lack the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.
