Out of sight, out of mind NORAD vis-à-vis CANUS politics

Abstract

ABSTRACT The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is insulated politically from tensions between Canada and the United States (U.S.). We argue the reasons why are three-fold. First North American defence is a low priority generally speaking and so NORAD is also low on the political radar. Second, NORAD is defended and challenged by misplaced politics of sovereignty (especially in Canada), both of which marginalize NORAD. Finally, NORAD is largely managed by the military professionals of both states at the bureaucratic/technical level. This means that NORAD is able to adapt and evolve without any political interference; indeed, often without any political guidance which is problematic from a civil–military balance perspective. Despite the fact that “defending Canada” and “defending North America” are priorities number one and two for every Canadian defence policy since 1964, far too little attention is paid to how NORAD has evolved over time to adapt to new threats and geopolitical trends. NORAD, like other aspects of the CANUS defence relationship is left to run unencumbered by political distractions in other issue areas. While the lack of political attention is perceived as beneficial, it may be what most challenges NORAD in the long run as it seeks more funding to modernize and continue to evolve against new and more dangerous threats to North America. NORAD should be careful for what it wishes.