What is the ability to withstand and recover rapidly from deliberate attacks called?

The term that best describes the ability to withstand and recover rapidly from deliberate attacks is resilience. In the context of homeland security, resilience refers not only to the capacity of individuals and communities to bounce back from disruptive events, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters, but also to the ability of systems and infrastructures to absorb shocks and maintain functionality. Resilience encompasses preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.

While fortitude involves mental strength and courage in facing difficulties, it does not specifically capture the recovery aspect central to resilience. Adaptability involves the ability to adjust to new conditions but does not inherently include the notion of recovery from attacks. Endurance refers primarily to the capacity to withstand hardship or stress over time and does not imply recovery afterward. Resilience stands out as the most comprehensive term that encapsulates both the response to and recovery from deliberate and harmful events.