Homeland Security is a transnational fabrication stitched across time and space, so states Rhys Machold in his fascinating and meticulously researched book. The book examines the aftermath of 26/11 Mumbai attacks in terms of “disaster capitalism” (55) that profits from catastrophic events. The three-day attack, played live on TV, exposed the weaknesses of the Indian state in dealing with Pakistan-directed Islamic terrorism. The police failed to timely engage the small band of terrorists, and India was seen as a soft state with a backward approach to security. Invariably, pressure upon the government to strengthen internal security through modern technology, weapons, and training became heavy. This fervor failed to credit the local unarmed police that captured one terrorist through the exemplary bravery of its officers. It was this arrest that exposed the links and conspiracy of the Pakistani state. Instead, security failures were highlighted by vested interests to procure Western products and methods.

Machold constructs a compelling narrative that transcends the growth of Homeland Security after 9/11 in the United States to its many manifestations across the world. Highlights of this book include extensive research based upon open-source information and interviews with key personnel from the industry and the government, along with varying perception