Border Security

CLIVE ADDY

Dec 15, 2008

Putting this Border Security edition together, in the wake of the world-wide recession, increased tension in the Middle East, and much turbulence in both Canada and the U.S. over government regimes, was indeed a wonderfully stimulating challenge. Yet, it turns out, the real challenge remains to secure our borders without isolating ourselves (which would reduce our chances of mutual prosperity)… the same issue we have tackled for over 50 years.

We start on the front line as Ron Moran brings us the “boots on the ground perspective” of progress at CBSA in fulfilling their, now not so new, mandate.

Tom Tass from BORDERPOL stimulates our reflection on border enforcement in the 21st century.

We then get a taste of the turbulence in Mumbai recently and the potential new sophistication of non-state actors and terrorists tactics by Angus Smith at the RCMP. Tim Lynch, a past contributor and recent tourist in the area offers another fresh perspective of Mumbai, post attack.

In our feature interview, we are grateful to have Dr. Ed Amoroso, the head of security at AT&T, share his views on evolving Cyber threats and our security as the global information world and its platforms change.

Our ports are so important to border security and prosperity along our coasts and inland waterways. Mike Toddington reflects on the challenges and urgency of securing and policing our ports intelligently, effectively and competitively.

Adrian King brings us up to date on the new spirit of free enterprise off the Somali coast that continues to threaten an important commercial life-line and sea lane – in a less folkloric way than did Captain Hook.

Alan P. Burke reports on the recent Pozna´n conference with the results and challenges on how adapting to climate change is affected by politics and global finance, and how the environment in turn affects national security.

I provide my own views on the supposed “security or trade” border dilemma, to suggest that both are not only possible, but must take an urgent place together in any upcoming national economic policy. There are a lot of good, practical and urgent proposals that just need doing!

We welcome the interesting contribution by Jill Olen on cross border and intersector partnerships for better emergency preparedness.

Finally, I must warn you of the potential mellowing of Scott Newark, who provides a no less pertinent ‘Last Word’ on Border Security.

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