From coded alerts to front-page press conferences, homeland security has become one of America's major topics. Yet few outlets provide real insights into just what the phrase means. Dynamics of Homeland Security and National Defense is an easy-to-follow primer on key aspects of the homeland security program, and how they impact U.S. citizens at every level. Topics addressed include domestic, international, cyber and narco-terrorism activities that threaten the U.S. and its citizens; weapons of mass destruction; disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; and the myriad and often interconnected roles played by defense and security departments, agencies, and decision-makers.