Beyond Sister City Agreements: Exploring the Challenges of Full International Interoperability
Abstract
Communities on the international border are often interconnected by more than simple proximity. They are connected through social networks, economy, culture, and shared natural resources. Despite this interdependent relationship, and in spite of international agreements that support mutual aid between countries, crossing the border with emergency resources, even for a humanitarian purpose, can be problematic. This thesis examined existing agreements on both the northern and southern U.S. borders to determine how various regions address their cross-border agreements. Research indicated that unique challengessuch as liability concerns, local politics, and border violencealong the Mexican border must be addressed. By examining the fuller context, this thesis recommends that local entities examine their specific challenges to establishing fully interoperable agreements. Local interoperability agreements just might move us beyond sister city agreements and put us on the path toward functional international partnerships.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1027601
Entities
People
- Calvin D. Shanks
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School