Increased sophistication, scope, and fatalities define modern terrorism and leave few corners of the globe immune from its threat. Terrorism (destructive attacks against non-military targets typically for political purposes) has had a greater presence in some countries in the Americas, such as Colombia and Peru, but terrorist acts have been recorded elsewhere in recent years including Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

The Department of Homeland Security released this July 2010 update on progress in implementing recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Read more

Since 2001, preventive detention has become almost commonplace as a means of "incapacitating" terrorist networks. No other development - with the possible exception of the use of extreme interrogation techniques - has been as controversial, or as uncomfortably reconciled with conventional legal practices. But there are legitimate uses of preventive detention that respect the legal principles of protection of civil liberties. Download full document

The foreward of this annual State Department report says, "The Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism 2009 covers events from January 1 to December 31, 2009. This publication, which fulfills a Congressional requirement, aims to enhance our collective understanding of the international terrorist threat. The report also serves as a reference tool to inform policymakers, the general public, and our foreign partners about our efforts, progress, and challenges in the campaign against international terrorism. Read more

Preventive detention can be justified for particular persons to disrupt specific threats under restricted conditions, according to a study from the Institute for Research on Public Policy. Author Craig Forcese proposes lessons for Canada from state practices in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia might reasonably guide the development of an appropriate system of preventive detention. Read  

Public Safety Minister Toews and Secretary Napolitano announce new cooperative initiatives to combat threats and expedite travel and trade Washington, D.C., July 13, 2010 - Today, Canada's Public Safety Minister, Vic Toews and U.S.

On May 26, 2010, President Barack Obama released the most recent US National Security Strategy (NSS) which outlines his administration's national security policy. Addressing issues that have been the cornerstones of Obama's presidency thus far, the NSS focuses on the need to re-strengthen the American economy, to promote nuclear non-proliferation, advance the climate change agenda, and improve human rights both domestically and abroad.

In the coming days Torontonians will begin to experience more fully the impact of hosting the G20 summit. Beginning on June 7, with the construction of a three meter high fence that will extend for four kilometers around the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, resident and visitor access will be gradually restricted as the June 26-27 conference nears. Eventually, the area inside the security perimeter will be accessible only via designated check points and only by those who either live, work, or have a specific destination within the secured area.