Janet Napolitano Looks Back on Border Control, Cyber Policy, and Leadership in Homeland Security

TL;DR

Janet Napolitano discusses her career in security and education leadership.

Transcript

BOIES: Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for coming to this latest in the Council on Foreign Relations History Makers Series. We have with us today Janet Napolitano who is indeed a history maker. The History Makers Series focuses on the contributions made by a prominent individual at a critical juncture in U.S. foreign policy or international... Read More

Key Insights

• Janet Napolitano's career spans significant roles, including Governor of Arizona, Secretary of Homeland Security, and President of the University of California, highlighting her diverse leadership experience.
• As Governor of Arizona, Napolitano managed border security challenges, collaborating with federal and Mexican authorities to reduce illegal crossings and secure the border effectively.
• During her tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security, Napolitano addressed international air security, especially post-2009's 'underwear bomber' incident, leading to enhanced global aviation security protocols.
• Napolitano emphasized the need for international cooperation in cybersecurity, advocating for an international convention to establish rules and responses to cyber threats.
• She criticized the excessive congressional oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, arguing it hinders the department's efficiency and effectiveness.
• Napolitano identified the evolving threat of domestic radicalization and foreign-trained fighters returning to the U.S. as a significant security concern.
• In her role at the University of California, Napolitano focuses on diversity and accessibility in public education, despite legal constraints on considering race in admissions.
• Napolitano's leadership philosophy emphasizes building strong teams, effective communication, maintaining perspective, and using humor to navigate challenges.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some key challenges Janet Napolitano faced as Governor of Arizona?

As Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano faced significant challenges related to border security. Arizona was a major entry point for illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America, and she worked extensively with federal authorities and the Mexican government to manage and reduce illegal crossings. Her efforts included enhancing border security measures and fostering cross-border cooperation to address the complex issues of immigration and border control.

Q: How did Janet Napolitano address international air security during her tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security?

During her tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano addressed international air security by responding to the attempted 'underwear bomber' attack in 2009. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in international aviation security, prompting her to push for improved security protocols at international departure points. Her efforts led to the establishment of global security standards through regional conferences and a United Nations resolution, significantly enhancing international air travel safety.

Q: What is Janet Napolitano's view on the current cyber threats facing the United States?

Janet Napolitano views cyber threats as a growing concern, with the potential for significant impact on national security. She emphasizes the need for an international convention to address cybersecurity issues, as cyber threats are inherently global. Napolitano believes the current legal and resource frameworks are inadequate and advocates for stronger international cooperation and comprehensive strategies to protect critical infrastructure and private information from cyber attacks.

Q: How does Janet Napolitano perceive the role of congressional oversight on the Department of Homeland Security?

Janet Napolitano perceives the extensive congressional oversight on the Department of Homeland Security as detrimental to its operations. With over 100 committees and subcommittees involved, she argues that the oversight process is inefficient and consumes significant resources that could be better spent on executing the department's mission. Napolitano calls for a streamlined oversight process to enhance the department's effectiveness and allow it to focus on its critical security functions.

Q: What leadership qualities does Janet Napolitano prioritize in her roles?

Janet Napolitano prioritizes several leadership qualities, including building strong, capable teams, effective communication, and setting a clear vision. She emphasizes the importance of delegating responsibilities, maintaining perspective during challenges, and using humor to ease tense situations. Napolitano's leadership approach focuses on achieving strategic goals while ensuring operational efficiency, drawing on her extensive experience in public service and education management.

Q: How does Janet Napolitano address diversity and accessibility in the University of California system?

Janet Napolitano addresses diversity and accessibility in the University of California system by focusing on outreach and using socio-economic status as a surrogate for race in admissions, due to legal constraints. She emphasizes the importance of public universities being open to all qualified students and invests in outreach programs to underrepresented communities. Despite challenges, she is committed to maintaining diversity and ensuring that the university system reflects the demographics of California.

Q: What are Janet Napolitano's thoughts on the Snowden revelations?

Janet Napolitano believes that Edward Snowden's revelations were damaging, exposing critical flaws in how secret information is managed and causing rifts with allied countries. She views Snowden's actions as a violation of the law and highlights the irony of his asylum in Russia. Napolitano acknowledges that the revelations prompted necessary reforms in information security but underscores the significant diplomatic and operational challenges they created for the United States.

Q: What security threats does Janet Napolitano identify as significant during her tenure at DHS?

During her tenure at the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano identified aviation security and the evolving threat of domestic radicalization and foreign-trained fighters as significant security concerns. She worked to enhance international air travel safety and addressed the challenges of monitoring and managing the threats posed by individuals traveling to conflict zones and returning with the intent to cause harm. Her focus was on adapting security measures to address these dynamic and complex threats effectively.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Janet Napolitano shares insights from her extensive career in public service, focusing on her roles in border security, cybersecurity, and higher education leadership. Her experiences highlight the complexities of managing security threats and the importance of international cooperation.

• As Secretary of Homeland Security, Napolitano dealt with critical incidents like the 'underwear bomber' and the Boston Marathon bombing, which shaped her approach to national security and international collaboration. She stresses the need for evolving cybersecurity measures and legislative support.

• In her current role as President of the University of California, Napolitano addresses challenges in maintaining diversity and accessibility in education. Her leadership style is characterized by team-building, strategic vision, and resilience in the face of public scrutiny and policy challenges.