Collective Efficacy Across Borders: The Case of Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont

ABSTRACT

This article argues that cross-border communities can engage with one another to reduce the transaction costs associated with a securitized border. Using Collective Efficacy Theory to frame this argument, we propose that there are certain effectual variables that are important to successful cross-border community engagement. The paper concludes with some observations about the nature of borders, including the fragmented nature of international borders, and the role of competing values, norms, and discourse in defining the border as an institution.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 See for example: Davidson (2000); Papademetriou and Meyers (2001); and Vila (2000).

2 Interview with Councilor Matthew Farfan.

3 This merger was in an effort to save money.

4 Beebe Plain was first settled in 1789 by Zeeba Beebe, a citizen of Connecticut. Stanstead Plain followed in 1796, settled by Johnson Taplin, a New Englander. Rock Island was established in 1798 by Samuel Pomroy from Massachusetts.

5 Buildings were often constructed by mistake on either side of the border during the period before the Webster-Ashburton Treaty was signed, formally demarcating the Canada–United States border.

6 On the Webster-Ashburton Treaty see: Jones (1977).

7 Interview with Stanstead Librarian Nancy Rummery.

8 The library board is composed of nine seats, four Canadian and five American. The additional American seat was to maintain American guidance of the organization, as it is entirely financed by an American businessman.

9 Farfan interview.

10 Interview with RCMP Officer Greg Bishop.

11 Members of the committee believed that a lack of a clearly marked border contributed to the increased criminal activity. As a result they resolved to increase the signage at the border and paint the asphalt to increase the visibility of the border line.

12 Bishop interview.

13 The WHTI went into full effect on June 1 2009. See: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/whti-program-background

14 Rummery interview.

15 Guillaume Labbe interview.

16 Leadership is defined as “a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid or support of others in the accomplishment of a common task” (Chemers 1997).

17 Labbe interview.

Additional information

Funding

This work received a grant from Queen’s University called the Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowship.