The Post-9/11 policy shifts are obviously reactive because all the proposed by the government changes are caused by the attack. Even the creation of the Department of Homeland Security is a response to the dangerous terroristic attack (Post-9/11,2019). In order to avoid or prevent such disastrous terroristic attacks, the government should propose proactive policies. However, proactive planning regarding terroristic attacks undermines the natural disasters threats (Congressional Research Service, 2011). Therefore, homeland security should focus on both types of threats proactively.
One of the most outstanding policies regarding terrorism issues is the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, 2004). This policy includes the section regarding the changes in the funding distribution to sponsor the National Counterterrorism Center’s activities (Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, 2004). The mentioned act can be considered proactive because it is related to preparing the basis for preventing attacks or, at least, providing measures of instant reaction.
From my perspective, technological development provides more advanced opportunities for terrorists. The most dangerous ones are drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Today, many terrorist groups can carry out attacks from long distances. UAVs became powerful weapons by obtaining the technology to track the target and coordinates. The implementation of artificial intelligence and such technologies as smart spaces computer control can also be used by terrorists for malicious aims. Hacking the system distantly and creating dangerous conditions today is possible. Taking into consideration the mentioned innovations, the post 9/11 policy seems irrational. Such tragedy can be easily reiterated today using drones. Even though nowadays it is more politically dangerous to plan or perform attacks similar to 9/11, the opportunities are unlimited. Massive terroristic acts are more challenging to perform due to the threat of nuclear war, beholding the huge danger for the whole world. Therefore, counterterrorism organizations should consider such possibilities and design protection measures to react to such attacks.
References
Congressional Research Service. (2011). The national response framework: Overview and possible issues for congress. Web.
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Public Law No. 108–458 (2004). Web.
Post-9/11. (2019). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Web.