Introduction to the special issue on high-power electromagnetics (HPEM) and intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI)

A new threat to civil society has recently emerged. It is known as intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) and covers the threat of intense electromagnetic disturbances that may be applied to the sophisticated electronic systems that are so important to our daily lives. This paper provides a brief background for the threat, defines important terms, describes the different types of electromagnetic threats, explores the importance of topological concepts, summarizes the current understanding of equipment susceptibility, provides an overview of protection concepts, and summarizes the ongoing work in international standardization. This paper also serves as the introduction to the IEMI papers in this special issue.