Title: Pieces of a larger puzzle: the almost impossible task of protecting critical infrastructures
Abstract: Writing an article on critical infrastructure protection is quite challenging. Scientifically speaking, we ascertain a serious lack of research. A possible explanation could be the fact that in studying critical infrastructure protection one must be able to integrate a multidisciplinary scope. The changing landscape of security (Crawford, 2012) and prevention requires a scientific viewpoint that implements segments coming from several disciplines, i.e. economy, technology, governance, law, sociology and criminology. Evidently, this means a challenge for researchers. Taking these transitions into account, this paper aims at better understanding of critical infrastructure protection. First, we will discuss the conceptualisation of the concepts ‘infrastructures’, ‘critical’ and ‘protection’. Each word entails a different connotation. We will also focus on the European dimension. Considering the fact that a clarifying definition is currently difficult to realise, we will explore the underlying characteristics and give ideas for new directions. This paper will also reflect on the role of intelligence and private security. Last, we will present criminological reflections regarding the changing landscape of security and its effect on the protection of critical infrastructures. The recent focus on resilience gives an interesting alternative for the encountered challenges.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-11-08
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
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