Potomac Institute CEO Mike Swetnam was one of the experts interviewed for the April 28 Sunday Business Post magazine article on the Boston Marathon bombing, “Boston Unbowed,” by Niall Stanage.  In the article, Swetnam argued that while progress has been made since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. has only come halfway.

Three points Swetnam identified as areas where the U.S. could do better include following up on intelligence tips with more diligence, more widespread use of cameras, and an increased sense of public vigilance.  Another issue affecting both terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts is increased access to and use of technology; Swetnam’s point was that the U.S. needs to harness all capabilities at its disposal.

The biggest terrorism threat today is independent volunteers, not the larger networks, Swetnam said.  Individuals acting alone often identify with different networks, which means they are affiliated, even without a formal connection.  And technology has helped that segment grow.  The terrorism threat is graver now than the first part of the century, partly because of technology is helping facilitate terrorism, Swetnam pointed out.

Striking a balance between collective security and individual privacy is tricky, Swetnam added, but the center point of the balance is moving toward security, as the terrorism threat grows bigger.

Read the full article at the attachments below.