Friday, February 25, 2005
National Insecurity
The Canadian government has turned down a US offer to participate in a North American missile defense shield:
At least we're taking steps to maximize our security south of the border. Pursuing the missile defense shield is a smart move, especially from a realist point of view. If we manage to make the science work, US security from state actors is all but assured and world hegemony might just be possible.
Sound policy? Domestic policy, perhaps. We're going to shoot any missile headed for North America anyway. Having said that, I can't understand the Canadian lack of commitment to its own defense demonstrated by the willingness to perpetually pass the buck on security issues - even when the commitment only invovles personnel co-operation. Canada "must determine where its priorities lie." Indeed.Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew made the official announcement in the House of Commons.
He said that while the U.S. is pressing ahead with the missile system, "Canada . . . must act in its own interests and must determine where its priorities lie."
"After careful consideration of the issue, we have decided that Canada will not participate in the U.S. ballistic missile defence system."
He said the decision is based on sound policy principles rather than emotion.
At least we're taking steps to maximize our security south of the border. Pursuing the missile defense shield is a smart move, especially from a realist point of view. If we manage to make the science work, US security from state actors is all but assured and world hegemony might just be possible.
Comments:
It takes more tha nuclear defense to guaruntee hegemony. You've got to have economic and technical superiority, and the ability to maintian it, as well. You also have to remember that the US citizenry wouldn't tolerate us blowing the crap out of rivals, so we have to win with soft power instead of hard. However, you're right, the ability to not have to worry about lose cannons like North Korea would be quite nice. However, missile defense is for ICBMs right now, they wouldn't stop a first strike from nuclear submarines off of our coasts...
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