Abstract

Systems-based definitions of risk, vulnerability, threat, intent, and capability--that build on the centrality of the state-space theory to the homeland as a system--are introduced to establish a common vocabulary. Risk assessment (the problem) and risk management ( the remedy) are each characterized by a set of epistemological triplet questions. The ultimate efficacy of risk-based modeling, theory, methodologies, and computer tools is to help analysts and decision makers to appropriately and effectively answer the two sets of triplet questions. Case studies on infrastructure interdependency performed for two national commissions on homeland security, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Commonwealth of Virginia are discussed. Full-text article is not available.

© 2005 Optical Society of America