I'm in Mexico City for a couple of weeks and I've noticed something rather interesting. The level of security here (which has been part of Mexican life for a while) is far greater and more accepted than I find in the US/Canada. We are very lax when it comes to both physical and technological security.

I suspect that our desire to have "freedoms" (or perceived freedoms) is far greater than what others see.

For those that travel beyond the borders of their nation do you find that is the same as well when visiting other countries? I have a strong suspicion that the local culture is truly what will make a nation more secure or less secure.

Thoughts?