I need a 300 word discussion post and two 200 word responses.
Discussion: Is it cost effective from a risk analysis perspective to spend billions of dollars to stop a “hand-full of people” who are bound to terrorize the United States? What is the “Hardened Border Paradox? What is the “Open Border Paradox? How can both be overcome? Compare and contrast the two. (LO3.1 & LO3.2)
Response #1 (Jesse): Sir and Class,
A hardened border paradox only means risk and danger for migrants attempting to cross the border, taking them through more dangerous routes or paying more to smugglers who will ask for more money for their work. It will shift human trafficking routes or methods, find new ways to evade detection and continue illegal migrant smugglers to meet their objectives. It will cause overcrowding of detention facilities or increase incidents of migrant deaths along these dangerous routes to avoid being caught. It can disrupt trade and commerce between the U.S. and its neighboring countries, impacting local economies and communities that depend on broader crossing activities. It can affect political debates between countries and complicate efforts to address shared joint challenges like immigration, national security, and international relations.
Open borders could allow individuals to move freely between countries without significant restrictions or barriers. Some argue that open borders can promote freedom of movement, economic opportunities, cultural exchange, and humanitarian values. The open border paradox highlights the tensions between the desire to promote inclusive and humanitarian immigration policies and the practical challenges and consequences of implementing unrestricted border policies. This will bring ideals of freedom and equality, the realities of governance, security, economic stability, and social cohesion present complex. This could have significant financial implications, including pressures on public services, labor markets, and welfare systems, particularly in countries experiencing high immigration levels.
Striking a balance between security objectives and humanitarian concerns, economic interests, and diplomatic relations is crucial for effective border management. The choice between closed and open borders is not a simple one, as it involves weighing economic, security, and social considerations. Our leaders must navigate these complexities and carefully assess the implications of their border policies on various aspects of society.
V/r
Jesse
Response #2 (Scott): Good evening class and Professor. Is it cost effective from a risk analysis perspective to spend billions of dollars to stop a “hand-full of people” to terrorize the United States? Yes. The cost of failure to stop these terrorists is much, much higher. Certainly in an immediate dollar amount, but also in follow-on costs to stock markets, travel, tourism, insurance to name just a few industries. And it is not simply a matter of financial cost, indeed it is the moral obligation of the federal government to protect its citizens from the existential threat of terrorism. According to Zarate (2017), attacks inspired by violent Islamic extremism in Orlando, San Bernardino, Brooklyn, Chattanooga, Philadelphia, and Garland, Texas show that the threat and influence of Isis and al Qaeda is extant.
The “Hardened Border Paradox” is when increased security along the border supports criminal organizations. To which I say increase law enforcement funding and increase sentencing for border related crimes. The “Open Border Paradox” is when an a border is open to traffic that must be inspected, leading to an increase in traffic to an extent that effectively shuts the border down.
Perhaps the limitations of each paradox can be overcome by a mixed border approach. Not a completely closed, nor a completely open border.
I know I am being idealistic when I go on about how it is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizenry and positive control of the border is a major component of that protection. I believe legal immigration and legal trade is fundamental to a healthy nation, but illegal immigration and smuggling of illegal goods and services in which an unknown number of unknown people are crossing the border in unknown places is an unacceptable risk to the safety of a nation. I know there are also important economic and trade realities to consider, and I appreciate this course and this week’s reading teaching that.
Thank you,
Scott
Reference:
Zarate, J. (2017). The Future of Counterterrorism Strategy. Hampton Roads International Security Quarterly, , 32. http://ezproxy.apus.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Ffuture-counterterrorism-strategy%2Fdocview%2F1869841835%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D8289
