Every state’s foreign policy should be designed to maximize security and pursue national interests. But Canada’s current approach may not lead to the desired outcomes.
The recent announcement that Canadian defence capital spending planning for the coming year would be delayed is yet another major blow to Canada’s defence strategy.
Pat Martin’s jokes about emergency measures to combat a potential ‘zombie invasion’ are rich with subtext, challenging the conservative Americanisation of Canadian political culture.
As a new year dawns, Canada should accept that the strategies and doctrines of the last 20 years do not apply to the current global context. Relying on outdated concerns makes little sense in 2013 and beyond.
Between 2006 and 2011, Stephen Harper’s “Restrained Pragmatism” was a shift towards a realist foreign policy strategy, but now he appears lost and this poses risks for Canada in the international state system.
Quebecers may be hesitant to accept complete independence for Quebec. But even if Quebec sovereignty is currently not the vibrant force that it used to be, the larger question of Quebec’s place in the Canadian federation remains unresolved.
There is little likelihood of Quebec sovereignty in the near future. Current polls put support for sovereignty near 30%, and opposition to a third referendum close to 70%. Regardless, Quebec’s assertive nationalism will remain a vibrant force indefinitely.
The election of Pauline Marois should be seen as another nationalist challenge to Canada’s national unity. Yet, with only 32 percent of the popular vote, her powers to hold a referendum are constrained.
At present, the NATO mission in Afghanistan is a failure. Though the Taliban regime was overthrown, violence continues to plague daily life across the country.
Being a US foreign policy specialist I have always dismissed Canadian foreign policy as non-existent. Perhaps I was wrong!
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