What should businesses consider in preparing for terrorist attacks, natural disasters, pandemic illnesses and other emergencies? What steps can a business take to ensure continuity during and after a crisis? What can we learn from past success?

This edited collection provides responses to these and other questions from prominent business executives and academics, drawn from their personal experiences with such crises as the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Asian tsunami. Their analyses prove a major step forward in the emerging academic and professional field of homeland security.

In this first volume, The Challenge of the New Age, the contributors- noted authorities in security and risk management, technology, public health, political science and business - look at specific ways disasters can impact businesses, both in the short and long term. They recount their experiences with terrorist attacks and natural disasters, and explore the potential impact of other hazards, such as a biological event or pandemic.

Intended for business practitioners, real world operators, students and faculty, government leaders, and their libraries, the book demonstrates with historical examples the connectivity between threats, hazards, policies, jurisdictions, information, technology, leadership, and considerations of profit and loss. Those who want to benefit from best practices while avoiding mistakes of the past will find this an excellent place to start.

Contributors: D. Alexander, F. Burton, B. Eggers, E. Gursky, W.I. Hancock, J. Jackson, P.B. Kurtz, P. Leitner, K. Lindsey, D.H. McIntyre, G. McNeal, M. Minor, G. Pellegrino, N. Saiff, G. Selig, K. Senser, C. Shays, G. Williams, D. Wyss