From SOSUS to Satellites: Sovereignty, Security and Surveillance in the Canadian Arctic

Date
2015-02-03
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Abstract
This thesis will present a detailed discussion of the relationship between sovereignty and security in the Canadian Arctic. More specifically, it will analyze the historical trends and current aims of surveillance projects in the region. This thesis will argue that the government of Stephen Harper prefers to answer sovereignty challenges with military security. It concludes that despite other branches of government such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Coast Guard being the traditional enforcers of sovereignty, they have had little input in establishing the surveillance capabilities in the Arctic. Further, with the military having control over all aspects of the surveillance infrastructure, this government is positioning the military above other departments with respect to Arctic capabilities. Ultimately, the Harper Government has used sovereignty to sell a military build-up in the Arctic to Canadians. Without the guise of sovereignty, such expenditures would be difficult for the public to accept.
Description
Keywords
Canadian Studies, History--Canadian, Political Science--International Law and Relations
Citation
Carruthers, W. (2015). From SOSUS to Satellites: Sovereignty, Security and Surveillance in the Canadian Arctic (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26238