Security and Defence in the Terrorist Era

Canada's traditional approach to security - "the best defence is a good offence" - became even more entrenched following 9/11. Elinor Sloan challenges this notion, arguing that "defensive" military and civilian measures at home are just as important to Canada as "offensive" military activities abroad. Security and Defence in the Terrorist Era looks at the nature of the post-9/11 threat environment, U.S. security and defence policy since the Cold War ended, intelligence gathering, and changes in military personnel and equipment requirements for addressing threats overseas. While Sloan favours increasing Canadian military capabilities, she shows that they also need to be reorganized. She emphasizes the importance of development aid and diplomacy in helping to rebuild failed states abroad and further suggests that Canada participate in the US strategic missile defence system as a logical extension of NORAD, which will otherwise become irrelevant. Sloan concludes that Canada's military capabilities fall well short of what is necessary to guarantee security and that changes are necessary to regain credibility and influence with the US.