Based On The Assigned Readings, Your Responses Are To Be In

Based On The Assigned Readings Your Responses Are To Be In Your Own W

Based on the assigned readings, your responses are to be in your own words with no copying except for minimal quotes that must be properly cited. What I am looking for here are your own thoughts and opinions that demonstrate your understanding of the topics and the course materials. Use Times New Roman (Font 12) and two paragraphs for each of the 5 questions (two pages of content). Additionally, I want you to state each topic question followed by your response. Will be submitted to turnitin, so use own words.

Paper For Above instruction

Question 1: What is Intellectual Property (IP) and how does counterfeit merchandise impact the U.S. economy? What safety and health concerns are posed by counterfeit products? How does IP theft pose an existential threat to national security?

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It grants creators exclusive rights to their inventions and works, encouraging innovation and economic growth. Counterfeit merchandise significantly impacts the U.S. economy by causing substantial financial losses in legitimate industries, reducing revenue, and threatening intellectual property rights enforcement. According to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, counterfeit goods undermine legitimate businesses, resulting in job losses, decreased innovation, and loss of consumer trust. Moreover, counterfeit products pose serious health and safety risks because they often lack quality control, leading to dangerous products in circulation—particularly in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food items. The proliferation of fake goods erodes the integrity of the supply chain and can lead to injuries or fatalities, especially when safety standards are ignored.

Intellectual property theft also presents a broader threat to national security by facilitating illegal activities such as terrorism funding, espionage, and organized crime. Counterfeit goods are sometimes used as vehicles for smuggling illicit materials or technology that can compromise defense systems. The unauthorized replication of sensitive technology can jeopardize military and technological superiority. The infiltration of counterfeit operations into supply chains undermines critical infrastructure and public safety. As outlined by CBP, IP theft can thus threaten the very fabric of national security, necessitating robust enforcement and international cooperation to effectively combat these pervasive threats.

Question 2: Explain the purpose of and reasoning behind Executive Order 13,133. Specifically, what were the goals of the working group that was established by the Executive Order?

Executive Order 13,133 was established to enhance the federal government’s efforts in combating unlawful conduct over the internet, particularly focusing on cybercrime, cyber threats, and online defamation. Its primary purpose was to facilitate cross-agency collaboration and develop comprehensive strategies to address unlawful online behaviors that compromise national security, economic interests, and individual safety. The reasoning behind this executive order was rooted in the increasing reliance on digital platforms by both governments and private entities, which made cyber threats more pervasive and sophisticated. To address this, a working group was created to coordinate activities, share intelligence, and implement policies aimed at disrupting cybercriminal enterprises and reducing unlawful conduct online.

The goals of the working group included establishing a unified response to cyber threats, improving information sharing across agencies, and coordinating enforcement efforts against illegal online activities such as cyber fraud, identity theft, and the dissemination of malicious software. Additionally, it aimed to participate in international cooperation to combat cyber threats that transcend national borders. By doing so, the executive order sought to reinforce the resilience of digital infrastructure, protect intellectual property, and uphold the integrity of online spaces, ultimately reinforcing national security in the digital age.

Question 3: Explain the concept of "Smart Borders".

The concept of "Smart Borders" refers to the integration of advanced technology and intelligence systems to improve border security and facilitate lawful cross-border movement. According to Peter Andreas, smart borders involve deploying sophisticated tools such as biometric identification, automated inspection systems, and data-sharing networks that enable customs and border patrol agencies to efficiently identify threats while reducing delays for legitimate travelers and trade. This approach seeks to balance security with economic efficiency by minimizing disruptions while maintaining rigorous control over who and what cross the border. Smart borders also emphasize international cooperation and information sharing between nations to better detect and prevent smuggling, illegal immigration, and terrorism.

Implementing smart borders involves deploying digital infrastructure that offers real-time data analysis, surveillance, and tracking capabilities, which allows agencies to respond quickly to potential threats. This concept aligns with broader strategies to modernize border control, reduce human error, and leverage technological innovations in managing complex transnational issues. Overall, smart borders represent a proactive approach to border security that combines technology, intelligence, and policy coordination to create a more secure and efficient border environment.

Question 4: How has the SMART Port Security, the SAFE Port Act, and the Small Vessel Security Strategy impacted port security?

The implementation of SMART Port Security, the SAFE Port Act, and the Small Vessel Security Strategy has significantly enhanced maritime security measures across U.S. ports. The SMART Port Security legislation introduced technologies such as container security scanners, port surveillance systems, and data-sharing protocols to improve threat detection and reduce risks associated with cargo shipment. The SAFE Port Act, enacted in 2006, mandated increased screening procedures, development of port security initiatives, and federal funding to upgrade port infrastructure. These measures aimed to safeguard critical maritime infrastructure, prevent terrorism, and ensure the safety of port operations. Consequently, port security has become more vigilant, technologically advanced, and better coordinated among federal, state, and local agencies.

The Small Vessel Security Strategy further targeted the unique vulnerabilities posed by smaller boats, which are often used in drug smuggling, terrorism, and other illicit activities. This strategy emphasized enhancing surveillance, establishing port security zones, and improving response capabilities to threats posed by small vessels. Overall, these legislative and strategic initiatives have improved coordination, resource allocation, and technological innovation within port security systems, elevating the nation's maritime security posture. The significant investments and policies arising from these laws have created more resilient port facilities capable of addressing emerging threats while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Question 5: Compare and discuss the similarities and differences of the external borders of New Europe to that of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The external borders of New Europe and the U.S.-Mexico border share several similarities, particularly in their roles as critical gateways for migration, trade, and security threats. Both regions face complex challenges related to illegal immigration, smuggling, and cross-border crime, prompting the adoption of various control and surveillance measures. For example, Europe’s external borders, especially in the Schengen Area, are increasingly fortified with biometric systems, surveillance networks, and coordinated border management protocols akin to the U.S. border security strategies. Similarly, the U.S.-Mexico border employs physical barriers, technological surveillance, and legal frameworks to regulate crossings and combat illicit activities.

However, significant differences stem from geographic, political, and policy contexts. Europe’s external borders encompass diverse terrains and multiple nations, requiring a multilateral approach to border management, often involving international agencies and agreements. In contrast, the U.S.-Mexico border is a geographically defined boundary primarily managed by the U.S. government, although it involves bilateral cooperation. Additionally, the scale and migratory pressures differ: Europe faces large influxes of refugees and economic migrants from conflict zones and distant nations, while the U.S.-Mexico border primarily handlesmigration from neighboring countries with different economic and social dynamics. Despite these distinctions, both regions are engaged in evolving border strategies emphasizing technology, cooperation, and security to address contemporary transnational challenges.

References

• National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. (2011). Intellectual Property Rights Violations: A Report on Threats to United States Interests at Home and Abroad.
• Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Intellectual Property Rights. CBP.gov.
• EO 13133. (2000). Executive Order on Unlawful Conduct on the Internet.
• Andreas, P. (2009). Border Games: Policing the U.S.-Mexico Divide. Cornell University Press.
• House Homeland Security. (2012). Passes SMART Port Security Legislation.
• Department of Homeland Security. (2008). Small Vessel Security Strategy.
• Government Accountability Office. (2007). Maritime Security: The SAFE Port Act and Efforts to Secure Our Nation’s Seaports.
• Andreas, P. (2009). Border Games: Policing the U.S.-Mexico Divide. Cornell University Press.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2011). Small Vessel Security Implementation Plan.
• Andreas, P. (2009). Border Games: Policing the U.S.-Mexico Divide. Cornell University Press.