The International Dimensions of Homeland Security

• Author: Ryan P. Stiles
• Position: Deputy Counsel, Homeland Security Council, the White House
• Pages: 3-15

I

The International Dimensions of

Homeland Security

Ryan P. Stiles*

AsIthink we all know from the news and recent statements by both Attorney

General Ashcroft and Secretary Ridge, we are entering an unprecedented

period of threat as we go into the summer; athreat that is projected to continue

through this November's elections. So what we're doing here has practical implica-

tions and will apply in the real world where terrorists routinely flout international law.

My goal for this morning is not to overlap with the discussions ofthe panels that

will occupy much of the next three days of this conference. They will address many

of the supporting issues regarding international implications of homeland secu-

rity. My goal is to frame the debate: how, from aUS Government perspective, the

Bush Administration looks at homeland security and its objectives, and then to

look at some specific ideas and concepts about how homeland security interacts

with the international dimensions.

To frame the debate we must define homeland security. Ithink many people

unfortunately skip that first definitional issue. The United States definition of

homeland security is found in President Bush's July 2002 National Strategy for

Homeland Security, 1which was released as part of the Administration's proposal

for creating aDepartment of Homeland Security. If you haven't read it, Iencour-

age you to do so. The Strategy defines homeland security as "a concerted national

Deputy Counsel, Homeland Security Council, the White House.