Different countries have different needs for critical infrastructure development, but they also have to consider the emergence of globalization. Globalization has led to great interconnectedness and interdependence among different states. The phenomenon has informed various countries to form collaborations aimed at promoting and enhancing cross-border interaction (Baggett, 2018). The United States is a member of the Critical 5, a collaboration that involves five countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Critical 5 informs the need to collaborate with other states mainly through information sharing. The collaboration involves connecting and speaking the same message as pertains to the sense, worth, and meaning of critical infrastructure. Each of the countries has the capacity to develop its unique critical infrastructure. However, the recent events encountered across the globe, such as the US bombing, have called for united action and broader thinking. This also forms the basis for the internationalization of critical infrastructure (Baggett, 2018). The collaboration has enabled the United States to develop and implement an all-hazards method in dealing with the current along with the expected difficulties that touch on critical infrastructure.
One important area the country has been able to collaborate on involves the emerging issues of climate change and the changes in demography. These developments form an integral component of infrastructure systems and properties. The occurrence of unforeseen incidents can cause great disruption in service delivery, which necessitates governments to work together in developing the necessary safe and resilient critical infrastructure. In particular, collaboration during the initial stages of development is fundamental in addressing the trends together with other potential disruptors (Simpkins, 2018). It is also crucial due to the long-term nature of critical infrastructure. Through internationalization, the Critical five members recognize the importance of preparing for imminent changes that possibly will interrupt the services provided through the infrastructure.
Another important area for collaboration involves the emergent issue of cyber-security. Today, information technology (IT) forms the central point of managing critical infrastructure systems. It is used to run key systems in hospitals, airports, power plants, railway transport, and traffic control. A large portion of the systems is managed through computer systems and software that are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks mainly target to diminish or defeat the operation of computer systems as opposed to a physical attack on the computer devices themselves (Taquechel & Lewis, 2017). The attackers can seize control of the systems through which they can disturb the system’s operations.
The development of critical infrastructure is the backbone for national prosperity through which the country facilitates economic growth and expansion. The infrastructural developments are a catalyst to greater economic output since they provide support to different sectors of the economy. Specifically, the developments facilitate effective supply and delivery of commodities as well as improved business efficiency. Through working with different states and partners, the US can create dependable and robust systems that shore up business confidence. The systems drive greater business growth and investment that leads to the discovery of innovative economic openings (Simpkins, 2018). They also help the government to realize key objectives, such as improved quality of life for the citizens, creation of job opportunities, improved economic productivity, and reduced prices of commodities for American citizens. As part of internalization, the systems enable the movement of goods and services across different markets, thereby promoting international trade and cooperation.
References
Baggett, R. K. (2018). Infrastructure partnerships and information sharing. In R. K Baggett & B. K. Simpkins (Eds.), Homeland security and critical infrastructure protection, 2nd ed. (pp. 171-189). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger Security international.
Simpkins, B. K. (2018). Introduction to critical infrastructure and resilience. In R. K Baggett & B. K. Simpkins (Eds.), Homeland security and critical infrastructure protection, 2nd ed. (pp. 1-31). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger Security international.
Taquechel, E.F. & Lewis, T.G. (2017). A right-brained approach to critical infrastructure protection theory in support of strategy and education: Deterrence, Networks, Resilience, and “antifragility.” Homeland Security Affairs, 13(8). Web.