Comprehensive Strategic Approach Research Articles

Inter-organizational Cooperation and Coordination in the Fight against Terrorism: From Undisputable Necessity to Paradoxical Challenges

The inter-organizational lesson in the fight against terrorism has been clearly identified after 9/11, but not completely learned and applied. Horizontal cooperation and coordination structures have been established, yet due to many challenges they do not function optimally. This article reaches beyond the prevailing mantra concerning the need for inter-organizational cooperation in the fight against terrorism by providing a framework for understanding the complexity of network counterterrorism and the relevant challenges. It introduces four levels of complexity that must be comprehended in order to ensure an optimal and comprehensive strategic approach in this fight. Based on this, it argues that a successful counterterrorism strategy needs to provide capacities for multi-organizational, inter-organizational and network-horizontal cooperation, and the capacity to manage many related inter-organizational challenges. The conclusions also suggest that our societies are still not conceptually and practically ready to embrace a truly comprehensive network approach to a networked threat. The inter-organizational approach in the fight against terrorism is ultimately what organizations make of it.

Central European floods 2002: lessons learned in Saxony

AbstractIn August 2002, Germany and particularly Saxony were hit by a severe flood affecting more than two‐thirds of Saxony's territory. This disastrous flood event gave rise to reconsideration and redirection of flood protection and related disaster management in Saxony. A comprehensive strategic approach was developed. Primarily, any reconstruction and flood protection measure is based on Flood Protection Concepts, which have been developed for all relevant rivers till 2005. In these concepts, more than 1600 individual flood protection measures are proposed and 548 flood risk maps for all communities at risk are available. With a new methodology specially developed for this task, all measures were prioritised, and a Flood Protection Investment Programme with considerable financial resources was put into operation. Furthermore, the new state flood centre ‘Landeshochwasserzentrum’ has been set up and became operational in 2004. It established an advanced full coverage forecast and alert system that has already demonstrated its reliable performance during recent floods.

The EMP and Morocco: Diverging Political Agendas?

The signing of the association agreement between the EU and Morocco in 1996 has made the promotion of democracy and human rights an integral part of their co-operation. The comprehensive strategic approach proclaimed by the EU in this respect requires a degree of consultation as to the political priorities to be covered. Thus, the funding of democracy-related projects in Morocco seemed to have entailed a general agreement on the thematic areas to be prioritized. This ‘tacit agreement’ has been made easier by Morocco's will to democratize – albeit slowly – and by the EU's soft-handed approach to democracy in the country through sidestepping sensitive issues. None the less, such an agreement impedes EU funds from reaching civil society and NGOs with sensitive programmes that could have immediate consequences for democracy.

Reducing the barriers to the expansion of health‐promoting schools by focusing on teachers

The health‐promoting school concept is a very promising framework which provides a comprehensive strategic approach to school health. Evidence suggests it is cost‐effective and will enhance the achievement of both educational and health goals. However, many barriers exist currently which are inhibiting its widespread adoption. Such barriers are related to resources; political issues; environmental contexts; administrative support; trained and skilled teachers; lack of understanding of the value of school health and the concept of the health‐promoting school. Teachers are fundamental to the success of developing a health‐promoting school. Evidence shows that there are priorities which need to be addressed in this area before schools can develop comprehensive and effective school health initiatives. Key among these are increased collegiality between teachers; ongoing and focused professional development; and embracing and implementing change within schools.

The response of the EEC to the dioxin problem

The legislative actions taken by the EEC as a response to the problem of dioxins (taken as a synonym for 2,3,7,8-TCDD and TCDF) are outlined and commented upon. Particular attention is paid to the control and monitoring of such emissions from the incineration of waste with a view to protecting public health and the environment. General provisions have also been taken to protect workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work. The mandatory evaluation and prevention of major accident hazards of certain industrial activities is another item in the legal mosaic dealing directly or indirectly with the dioxin problem. Current EC policy ist still lacking a comprehensive strategic approach; but the dioxin issue, despite its highly emotive nature, needs to be approached in a scientific way to dissipate the fears of the public.