ABSTRACT
The strategic concept of an external perimeter is founded in a knowledge-based society and a public good, in a desire by some to extend some forces of sovereignty outside borders in the notion of the advantage of a continental common enemy and shared security assets. Prior to September 11th, serious talks were underway to promote the idea of an external or common perimeter, a continental defense, a zone of tranquility or confidence, a common security within North America. Transborder policy scholars have universally discovered disconnections between serious local security concerns and the centralized power decisions made elsewhere in national capitals. As recently as the last North American Forum in October 2009, ex-secretary of US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Tom Ridge and past Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and the first Canadian Public Security Minister Anne Mclellan have seconded the notion of a common perimeter over any sovereign concerns.
