The Role of Resilience in Airport Security

Public transportation is an efficient method of moving large numbers of people quickly and efficiently from one place to another. It is no surprise that terrorists often target trains and buses as many people are restricted to a small space with minimal security measures. In more advanced urban societies where public transportation is often the main method of transportation, attacks on this infrastructure could mean major losses on the economy. Since September 11, 2001, the government has paid major attention to the idea of “resilience”, the ability of an infrastructure to maintain functioning under a disturbance (Williams).

The concept of resilience comes from the realm of natural disasters. Terrorists are constantly adapting their tactics and ideas over time using new technologies to stay ahead. They are constantly shifting their targets from strong opponents and looking to capitalize on new weaknesses. However, the transportation infrastructure as well as the economies they are located in are adapting to new attacks as well. Terrorism risks are very different than risks caused by natural disasters or “traditional” risks such as auto accidents or cancer (Roots). The ability for terrorists to conceal and adapt their abilities and intentions means that it is impossible to accurately measure the number of active and viable plots that are underway. This “threat-shifting” phenomenon means that the government could spend lots of money and resources to reduce risk in only specific area to see it be shifted to another with minimal risk reduction (Mueller).

The evolution of aviation anti-terrorism tactics is an example of the constantly adapting transportation security measures being taken place. In the 1970’s, transportation security was focused on preventing weapons from entering aircraft. In 1998, more robust explosive detection technology was created for checked baggage and carry on items. After September 11, 2001, the Transportation Security Administration was created to develop the most advanced security technologies (Llinger).

The growing threat of terrorism makes monitoring air travel safety extremely difficult. With new technologies and new threats constantly emerging, the government can only put so much preventative measures in a certain area. Terrorism is a highly unpredictable form of attack and the development of “resilience” in existing infrastructure seems to be the best way in combating it (Szyliowicz).

Figure 1: Chart showing the idea of “resilience” in transportation security

Works Cited

Williams, Z. “Supply chain security: an overview and research agenda.” The International Journal

Journal of Logistics Management 19.2 (2008): 254-281.

Roots, R. “Terrorized into Absurdity: The Creation of the Transportation Security

Administration.” The independent review 7.4 (2003): 503-517.

John, Mueller S. “A risk and cost-benefit assessment of United States aviation security

measures.” Journal of transportation security 1.3 (2008): 143-159.

Llinger, E Ellinger E. “Firm size, web site content, and financial performance in the

transportation industry.” Industrial marketing management Journal 32.3 (2003): 177-185

Szyliowicz, J. “International Transportation Security.” The review of policy research 21.3

(2004): 351-368.