Security Communities and Multilateralism
1. The United States and Canada have enjoyed a very peaceful relationship over the past 125 years, even though they share a border that is 5,000 miles long and undefended. Shore says that ?neither side regards the other as even a potential military threat, despite the fact that interstate anarchy supposedly makes war an ever-present possibility. Conflicts materialize and are resolved without the expectation that they might lead to violence.? (Shore, 1998, 333) Because of this relationship, Shore says the US and Canada are a perfect example of a pluralistic security community.
The peaceful US-Canada relationship is largely the result of the political learning that has occurred over the past two centuries. While the United States and Canada have had their share of political problems, these problems have not been the type that can create insecurity within the region. As Shore says, the undefended border has prompted both the United States and Canada to see each other in pacific terms, even when there is antagonism and miscommunication. Specifically, the demilitarization both countries have engaged in has helped promote a climate of trust between them.
The shared values of the US-Canadian political systems has also guaranteed that a shared US-Canada identity has developed to bind the two countries? interests together, so that they have established transnational relations in terms of shared political economic, and cultural exchange. Shore notes that Canadian and American ways of life have become inextricably linked. As a result, peaceful expectations have reinforced peaceful practices, and vice versa, so that war seems absurd, and an undefended border as well as peace seem normal. Any problems in terms of political behavior have largely involved Canadian nationalism, as Canadian leaders try to get their country to follow a path that isn?t always dependent on the actions of the United States.
There have been problems with the two countries ? economic behavior, because their economies are linked. The North American Free Trade Agreement has closely connected the American and Canadian economies, so that if one falters the other?s economy falters as well. However, there have been few economic woes since NAFTA became law, which indicates that the economic relationship between the two countries is a strong as ever.
For the European Union (E.U.) there are numerous problems with their political behavior. The EU is expanding, incorporating Greece and other Eastern European countries, yet European countries are experiencing a backlash of nationalistic fervor against the immigration that the EU permits.
Robertson Davies, Fifth Business, Penguin Books Canada Ltd., Toronto, 1970. Sara Jeanette Duncan, The Imperialist, McClelland &Stewart Inc., Toronto, 1990. George Grant, Lament for a Nation, Carleton University Press, 1995, SOSC 2200 9.0A course kit. Sandra Gwyn, Tapestry of War, (Harper Collins, 1992, SOSC 2200 9.0A course kit. C.P. Stacey, Mackenzie King and the Atlantic Triangle, Joanne Goodman Lectures, 1976, SOSC 2200 9.0A course kit. Professor John Hutcheson, "King: The Quebec Connection and The U.S. Connection", SOSC 2200 9.0A Lecture, York University, Toronto, 4 Oct. 1999. Eric Kierans, The Source of All Our Troubles, Canadian Forum, 1992, SOSC 2200 9.0A course kit. Hugh MacLennan, Barometer Rising, McClelland &Stewart Inc., Toronto, 1989.
Canada and the United States are the largest trade partners in the world. It is the result of the geographical position of two countries and the free trade between two countries. It should be a great thing for the economies of both countries, but since the North American Free Trade Agreement was signed, American businesses almost took over the Canadian economy. When the American companies started to make more business in Canada, it brought more jobs and money to the country in the short-term. But as a long-term effect Canadians became even more depended on the U.S. as the American companies started dominating Canadian companies in Canada. Also, today Canadian manufacturers have little protection from the government when ch...
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
...in reasons that most political violence occurs, and how to resolves these conflicts of political violence. After the research was completed, it is very apparent that Canada has had a very positive impact on Afghanistan. There are not many countries who would continue to stay in the country after completing their time in battle. Although Canada was involved in the war against Afghanistan, the country itself still found it mandatory for troops to continue to serve in Afghanistan as peace makers. Canada is known for peace and freedom and this exemplifies just that. Canada is putting forth time, effort, and money, to improve the living conditions of those in Afghanistan and helping them build a sustainable, peaceful life that they can carry out for years to come. Every country will have its own corruption; the answer is to begin from the basics. Peace and security.
Prime Minister Diefenbaker was greatly distressed with the fact that the U.S. had chosen not to consult Canada about their plans for the Cuban Missile crisis. He was frustrated because it showed a lack of respect, it did not allow Canada sufficient time to prepare, and he was not sure if the U.S. was simply overreacting. This showed great disrespect to Canada, as Canada was the U.S.’s biggest ally. Through Canada’s commitment to NORAD and NATO, Canada was required to be consulted based on signed documents within the NORAD agreement. Consultation was necessary as Canada was the only country in the western hemisphere that shared a close military alliance with the Americans. While the situation was being monitored in Cuba, the President had time to consult Canada, but chose not to, as he saw Diefenbaker’s government as a ‘trivial slide show’. This crisis had serious implications for all of North America; Canadians found themselves at the brink of nuclear war without their consent and helpless to influence the course of events. Canada had no opportunity to offer its own vi...
The Canada-U.S. trade relationship is not static. Political and business strategies and practices change on both sides of the border, and events occur such as "mad cow disease" that are beyond almost everyone's control.
...munity. Although Canada is dependent on trade with the United States, NAFTA proves that the relationship goes both ways. Canada proved its worth in the global financial crisis, showing that it can practice good policy despite the dependence.
Have you ever pondered why Canada has the Queen on the twenty dollar bill despite Europe and the United Kingdom being a whole ocean away? Canada is often said to be a peaceful country, but have you heard about our war with America? In the novel Barometer Rising, Hugh MacLennan describes Canada 's place in the world. Although Canada is commonly grouped with the United States, Barometer Rising proves with its strong themes of nationalism, that Canada’s role in the world is to be a strong nation, independent of the United States and well linked to Europe.
Which in turn, created a whole new set of problems or rather anxieties for Canada due to the fact that now, “[The United States] are now the primary market and source of investment for Canadian commerce” (Bow, p. 346). Now instead of the essence of the threat being a physical invasion of the United States, Anti-Americanism in this time period derived from a threat of economic and cultural assimilation. Canada throughout this time period continues to find ways in order to separate themselves from their Western counter-parts. This was especially evident during the 1960s where, “the social and political turbulence… provoked a new wave of liberal anti-Americanism in Canada, focusing on a supposedly endemic pattern of racial conflict, urban violence, cultural polarization and political corruption” (Bow, p. 346). Due to those issues in the United States the sentiment has been more social among its people and it shows with different implementations of policies that Canada has placed or tried to place in order to separate themselves and as a country make themselves look better than the “super powered” United States by comparison. As a result, Canada became to be “proponents of universal health care, national welfare and pension programs and post war social programs…” (Bow, p. 347). The sentiment would evolved further due to the issues regarding the Vietnam war, which not only created a perception that, “America is by nature inclined to an aggressive self destructive foreign policy” (Bow, p. 348), but also is the “first Cold war crisis in which Canada chose to stand apart from the United States, and this affected not only Canadian diplomats’ capacity to influence U.S. decisions, but also Canadian public perceptions of what the war said about American values and priorities” (Bow, p. 348). During the Vietnam war the U.S were mostly criticized for acting
The culture of Canada refers to the shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs that are a representative of Canada and Canadians throughout Canada's history, its culture has been influenced by American culture because of a shared language, proximity, television and migration between the two countries. Overtime, Canadian-American relations have helped develop Canada’s identity during the years 1945-1982; thus introducing changing social norms , media and entertainment. In support of this, due to the United States being approximately 9.25 times larger in population and having the dominant cultural and economic influence it played a vital role in establishing Canada’s identity. With Canada being its neighbour, naturally, the United States would influence their way of life upon Canada. In other words,
First of all, Canada benefits from close ties to America because it helps us with our economy. Back in the late 1950’s and 1960’s the opening of American branch plants were introduced to Canadians. American companies would come to Canada and open large American companies to serve to Canadian consumers. New policies started to pass down in 1965 such as the Automotive Products Trade Agreement (APTA or Autopact). This policy allowed free movement of vehicles to pass between the Canadian and American border. This also allowed American Branch plants to operate in Canada without having to pay tariffs. To this day it is estimated that more than 50% of businesses that operate in Canada are foreign owned. However this can be looked at as a positive aspect since this provided many jobs for Canadians. There was also a great persuasion for Canadian consumers to buy Canadian made items because it helps increase jobs in Canada. Another reason to why American ties helps with the Canadian economy is because America is Canada’s biggest trading partner. Considering the geographic position between Canada and America, in order to get across ones border there is only a need to cross land with a vehicle. Both of the countries are in the...
Today, Canada is among the most free and secure countries in the world. Although Canada has gone through some rough patches, like every country is bound to do, it is safe to say that all Canadians should be proud of the country that Canada is today. When faced with the question, “Is Canada a country to be proud of?”, the answer is simple, yes. The justification for this response is explained through many reasons, however a few stand out. These outstanding reasons are, one being Canada’s participation in peacekeeping missions, another being the Canadian charter of human rights, and lastly Canada’s participation in war. All of these three essential reasons substantiate that Canada is truly one of the finest countries in
In conclusion, Canada was influenced throughout the 1920's by America, that by 1929 Canada became very similar to America in social trends, economics and produce. But has this stopped in modern day era? Canada continues to be heavily influenced by the amount of American products and media outpouring into Canada. Canada has made attempts throughout time to impede the onslaught of American invasion but American invasion is seen on a huge global scale. Hit movies, tv shows, products among others are generally based on American culture, views, or based within American domain. It is a reign yet to be stopped.
“ Canada 's national obsession seems to be its own identity.” For many years Canada has feared the increasing influence of its North American neighbors on its culture - the United States . It has become a matter of growing concern for the people of power and influence in Canada to maintain their separate cultural identity and to promote their own cultural norms. Gaetan Tremblay presents his views on this topic and does this from the perspective of a person living and working in Quebec.
The controversy over Canada and America, and who takes after whom has been around for many years. Canada and America are puzzles, two countries that are home to millions of people, living in relative comfort and health. We both have become nations through the help of each other and other nations. Yet, Canada has its own identity as a delightful complexity of cultures and customs, government and heroes. On the other hand, Canadians are simply not Americans by government and technology.