Juliette Kayyem on America’s Real Risk: The Erosion of Trust and Preparedness
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from May 13, 2026 | Security in an Era of Domestic Instability. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Juliette Kayyem, a nationally recognized expert in crisis management and public safety, examined a deeper and more concerning threat than any single disaster: the gradual erosion of institutions, expertise, and public trust needed to respond effectively. The conversation highlighted how these systemic weaknesses are reshaping America’s ability to manage risk in an increasingly complex world.
When Systems Weaken, Risks Grow
Kayyem warns that the greatest danger is not a specific crisis, but the weakening of the systems designed to handle them. Public health infrastructure, emergency management agencies, and safety networks rely on sustained investment—often in ways that may seem inefficient.
Preparedness, she notes, is inherently counterintuitive. It requires funding capabilities that may never be used—until suddenly they are indispensable. When those systems are scaled back in the name of efficiency, the consequences may not be immediately visible, but they can be profound.
The Breakdown of Trust in Expertise
Compounding this challenge is a growing distrust of experts and institutions. When scientific guidance and professional expertise are questioned or dismissed, it becomes harder for the public to respond effectively during crises.
Kayyem points to the confusion seen during recent public health events as a direct result of inconsistent messaging and diminished credibility. Without trust, even accurate information struggles to gain traction.
Misinformation and Its Consequences
In today’s information environment, misinformation spreads rapidly—often outpacing facts. This dynamic can undermine critical public health efforts, as seen in vaccine skepticism and the resurgence of preventable diseases.
Kayyem emphasizes that countering misinformation requires more than just providing facts. It demands trusted voices—community leaders, local officials, and institutions that people are willing to believe.
Warning Signs Across Key Systems
The strain is visible across multiple sectors. Near misses in aviation point to staffing and resource challenges. Cybersecurity risks are growing as government capacity fluctuates. Public health systems face ongoing pressures that limit their ability to respond quickly and effectively.
These are not isolated issues—they are signals of broader systemic vulnerability.
Technology and the Shrinking Margin for Error
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence add another layer of complexity. While they offer powerful tools for data analysis and response coordination, they also accelerate the pace of crises—reducing the time available to react.
Kayyem describes this as a shrinking “runway,” where decisions must be made faster, often with less room for error.
The Bigger Threats Ahead
Looking forward, Kayyem identifies two overarching risks. First is the continued erosion of trust in institutions, which undermines the foundation of effective governance. Second is climate change—a slow-moving but existential challenge that demands sustained attention and investment.
Both require long-term thinking, yet are often overshadowed by short-term political dynamics.
Why Agency Still Matters
Despite these challenges, Kayyem stresses that individuals and communities still have agency. Local leaders, state governments, and trusted community voices can play a critical role in rebuilding trust and strengthening resilience.
Her message is clear: while systems may be strained, they are not beyond repair. The path forward depends on recognizing the risks—not just of disasters themselves, but of losing the capacity to respond when they occur.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.
