Civil Defense: From the Cold War to Contemporary Threats

Civil defense has played a critical role in national security for much of American history. From its origins in World War I Europe, through its establishment in the United States during World War II, and the heightened tensions of the Cold War, civil defense principles have been used to meet the threats faced by the United States. In the post–Cold War era, the emphasis on largescale military threats diminished, and civil defense agencies evolved into today’s emergency management organizations. In subsequent years, the term civil defense fell out of use by federal agencies, states, and local governments. However, the nation is facing renewed risk of foreign intervention on the homeland primarily from foreign actors on our nation’s people, supply chains, and critical infrastructure. Given this pressing threat, the time is right for a renewed interest in civil defense from government agencies at all levels. This white paper explores the historical role of civil defense, its evolution over time, and the relevance of past strategies in addressing today’s emerging threats and challenges.