Abstract
This paper deals with Canadian foreign policy, it will hereby focus on the relations of Canada with the United States and the shift from one dependency to the next: After having reached an almost entire sovereignty from Great Britain through the Statute of Westminster in 1931, an ever growing intimacy with the USA took place. Until this date, the relations between Canada and other states, especially the U.S., are often described as being triangular, because any external affairs of Canada were at the same instance affairs of Great Britain, which eagerly held its thumb on the Dominion. To give an image to the development of relations and influence in the 20th century, one could picture an extremely slow moving pendulum constituting Canada, and the left and the right turning points Britain and the USA. In the lapse of time it has not yet fulfilled one whole swing. To reach the second turning point would mean to become dissolved in the U.S. or to become integrated into a new American state.
Several questions in the Canadian-American relations since 1931 are striking, and these are to be discussed within this paper. Among the most interesting is the question, in what way the American agenda has developed after 1931- was there a shift towards continental integration that could be viewed as leading to the 1994 NAFTA? And, in direct connection to this, how are the chances of an independent Canadian State in the long run?
The goal will be to extract from history, if the integration of North American States can be seen as a process of continuity that has not just started in 1994, or if this is a new beginning in Canadian foreign policy. The paper argues that despite some regularly upcoming waves of anti-Americanism, there can be drawn a line of continuity from even long before Britain lost its dominant status over the dominion, in which the growing cooperation and – assimilation – of Canada, especially in economic matters, are reflected and that points to an even more integrated form of cooperation in future than we witness today in the NAFTA. Still, this does not imply the unalterable finality of a common state. Further, it can be established that the time since 1931 has shown a development towards genuine sovereignty.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical introduction – Canada and its Foreign Policy
2.1 Canada until statehood
2.2 Naissance and development of its Foreign Policy until 1931
3. Canada as a sovereign and distinct nation
3.1 A distinguished nation “above” the US
3.2 Political power enhancement for Canada as an actor in International Organizations
4. In Bed with an Elephant - The American Factor
4.1 “The other special relationship”
5. Conclusion
6. Literature
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the evolution of Canadian foreign policy, specifically focusing on the complex relationship between Canada and the United States. It analyzes the transition of Canadian dependency from Great Britain to an increasingly integrated position within the North American sphere, exploring the research question of whether this shift constitutes a continuous path toward continental integration or a new historical development.
- The historical transition from British colonial dependency to Canadian statehood.
- The pursuit of national identity through differentiation from the United States.
- Canada’s role as an active multilateral player in international organizations.
- The economic and political dynamics of the "special relationship" and continental integration.
- The impact of American economic and cultural hegemony on Canadian sovereignty.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 A distinguished nation “above” the US
What actually does make the difference(s) between the United States of America and its northern neighbor Canada? This question has been the topic of uncountable discussions and books –scientific or not- almost ever since the northern state came into existence in 1867. Far from being able to give an exhaustive answer to it, mentioning this fact of an almost obsessive occupation of that nation with itself is one of the possible ways to consider this question. A question of national importance for Canada, it is ultimately a question of identity. The formulation of the question is possibly one key to address it, since it is exactly in those differences from the US that many Canadians search for their own and singular national characteristics. The question is often less one of composition of attributes that are viewed as being typical Canadian but more one of gathering differences; ways in which Canadians are not like Americans. It thus could be regarded as a kind of “negative method”. It is not just a recent trend; the history of the attempt not to be mistaken as Americans is rather long.
This is not particularly astonishing when thinking of the numerous similarities of both countries, of which the likeness of settlers from Western Europe and the sharing of the English language within geographical proximity were probably two of the most influential outsets. With time passing and the United States becoming a more and more gigantic entity and a world power in every thinkable aspect, this influence continuously increased.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the paper's focus on the shift in Canadian dependency from Britain to the United States and introduces the central metaphor of a pendulum swinging between the two powers.
2. Historical introduction – Canada and its Foreign Policy: The author details Canada's path from a colony dominated by European powers to the achievement of sovereignty through the Statute of Westminster in 1931.
3. Canada as a sovereign and distinct nation: This section explores how Canada attempts to construct a unique national identity and projects power through active participation in international organizations.
4. In Bed with an Elephant - The American Factor: This chapter analyzes the complex economic and political relationship with the United States, illustrating the challenges of maintaining independence adjacent to a dominant power.
5. Conclusion: The summary reflects on the continuous and gradual nature of Canada's integration into the North American economy while emphasizing the persistence of political differentiation.
6. Literature: This section provides a comprehensive bibliography of the sources cited throughout the work.
Keywords
Canadian foreign policy, United States, Statute of Westminster, sovereignty, national identity, continental integration, NAFTA, multilateralism, international organizations, American hegemony, economic dependency, North American relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this academic paper?
The paper primarily explores the trajectory of Canadian foreign policy since 1931, focusing on how Canada has navigated its dependency on external powers, specifically the transition from British influence to an intricate, integrated relationship with the United States.
What are the primary thematic pillars discussed in the work?
Key themes include the development of Canadian sovereignty, the constant search for a distinct national identity, the economic implications of the "special relationship" with the U.S., and the strategic use of multilateralism to assert independence.
What is the core research goal of the study?
The author aims to investigate whether the increasing integration of North American states, specifically the trends leading to agreements like NAFTA, is a logical progression of long-term continuity or a shift in Canadian foreign policy.
Which methodological approach is employed?
The paper utilizes a historical approach to identify patterns of political action and potential ruptures in Canadian-American relations, relying on historical context to explain modern policy directions.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body examines Canada’s historical path to statehood, its active role in international organizations (like the UN and NATO), and the persistent tensions regarding economic and cultural encroachment by the United States.
Which keywords best capture the essence of the work?
Central terms include Canadian sovereignty, continental integration, American hegemony, national identity, and the Statute of Westminster.
How does the author define the relationship between Canada and the U.S.?
The author references Pierre Trudeau's "sleeping next to an elephant" analogy to illustrate how even subtle movements of the larger American giant significantly impact the Canadian state.
Why does the author highlight the Statute of Westminster?
The Statute of Westminster serves as a crucial historical symbol, marking the point from which Canada achieved formal sovereignty, thereby allowing for the subsequent increase in American domination.
- Quote paper
- Hendrik M. Buurman (Author), 2002, Canadian foreign policy after the Westminster Statute of 1931 -The shift from British hegemon to an American one, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/11160
