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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Historical introduction - Canada and its Foreign Policy
- Canada until statehood
- Naissance and development of its Foreign Policy until 1931
- Canada as a sovereign and distinct nation
- A distinguished nation "above" the US
- Political power enhancement for Canada as an actor in International Organizations
- In Bed with an Elephant - The American Factor
- "The other special relationship"
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the evolution of Canadian foreign policy after the Westminster Statute of 1931, focusing on the shift in its relationship from Great Britain to the United States. It aims to determine whether the increasing cooperation and assimilation with the US, particularly in economic matters, represents a continuous process or a new beginning. The paper also explores the long-term prospects for an independent Canadian state in the face of a powerful neighbor.
- The shift in Canadian foreign policy from British to American influence after 1931.
- The development of Canadian sovereignty and its limitations in the context of realpolitik.
- The evolving nature of the Canada-US relationship and the possibility of continental integration.
- The historical context of Canadian foreign policy, from colonial dependence to the present day.
- The impact of economic interests on Canadian foreign policy decisions.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by outlining its central theme: the evolving relationship between Canada and the United States in the context of Canadian foreign policy after 1931. It uses the metaphor of a pendulum swinging between British and American influence to illustrate Canada's shifting allegiances. The chapter introduces key questions: the extent of American influence post-1931, the possibility of continental integration leading to NAFTA, and the long-term prospects of an independent Canadian state. It highlights the significant disparity in population and economic power between Canada and the US, framing the inherent challenges faced by Canada in maintaining its independence.
2. Historical introduction - Canada and its Foreign Policy: This section provides historical context, tracing the development of Canada from its colonial past to its early years as a dominion. It details the influence of both France and Great Britain, explaining how Canada's early history was defined by its dependence on these European powers. The division of British North America into Upper and Lower Canada, based on linguistic, religious, and cultural differences, is highlighted as a persistent obstacle to national unity. The chapter discusses the founding of the Dominion of Canada in 1867 and the subsequent addition of various provinces, culminating with Newfoundland in 1949. This chapter establishes a foundation for understanding Canada's historical context and its long-standing relationship with larger global powers.
3. Canada as a sovereign and distinct nation: This chapter explores the complexities of Canadian sovereignty in the post-1931 era. It delves into the concept of Canada's distinct national identity and its aspirations to stand apart from the United States. The chapter likely analyzes how Canada's increased participation in international organizations contributed to its efforts to establish itself as an independent actor on the world stage. The discussion touches upon the challenges and limitations to genuine sovereignty when confronted with the economic power of the US, emphasizing the inherent tension between Canada's ambition for independence and the realities of its geopolitical landscape.
4. In Bed with an Elephant - The American Factor: This chapter focuses on the crucial relationship between Canada and the United States. It examines the development of "the other special relationship," analyzing the increasing interdependence, particularly in economic affairs, which shaped Canadian foreign policy. This section likely assesses the extent to which the American agenda influenced the trajectory of Canada's policies. It explores the historical context and ongoing implications of this relationship, and how this dynamic has shaped Canada's overall trajectory in international affairs. The chapter potentially links this close relationship to events like the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), offering an assessment of its long-term impact on Canadian sovereignty and economic independence.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Canadian foreign policy, Westminster Statute (1931), Canada-US relations, continental integration, sovereignty, independence, economic interdependence, NAFTA, historical analysis, realpolitik, anti-Americanism.
Frequently Asked Questions: Canadian Foreign Policy After 1931
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the evolution of Canadian foreign policy following the Westminster Statute of 1931, with a particular focus on the changing relationship between Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. It examines the increasing cooperation and assimilation with the US, particularly in economic matters, and explores whether this represents a continuous process or a new beginning. A key question is the long-term viability of an independent Canadian state alongside a powerful neighbor.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the shift in Canadian foreign policy from British to American influence after 1931; the development and limitations of Canadian sovereignty within the context of realpolitik; the evolving nature of the Canada-US relationship and the possibility of continental integration; the historical context of Canadian foreign policy, from colonial dependence to the present; and the impact of economic interests on Canadian foreign policy decisions.
What historical periods does the paper cover?
The paper covers Canadian history from its colonial past through to the post-1931 era, examining the influence of both France and Great Britain, and the significant shift in relationship with the United States after gaining greater autonomy under the Westminster Statute. The paper also considers the long-term implications of this shift, including developments leading up to NAFTA.
What is the significance of the Westminster Statute of 1931?
The Westminster Statute of 1931 is crucial because it marked a significant step towards Canadian independence from Great Britain. The paper analyzes how this event shaped Canada's foreign policy trajectory and its evolving relationship with the United States.
How does the paper describe the Canada-US relationship?
The paper describes the Canada-US relationship as complex and multifaceted, often referred to as "the other special relationship." It explores the increasing economic interdependence between the two countries and the influence of the US on Canadian foreign policy. The paper also considers the potential for continental integration and its implications for Canadian sovereignty.
What are the key challenges faced by Canada in maintaining its independence?
The paper highlights the significant disparity in population and economic power between Canada and the US as major challenges to Canadian independence. The inherent tension between Canada's ambition for independence and the realities of its geopolitical landscape are central to the discussion.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview provides summaries for an introduction, a chapter on the historical context of Canadian foreign policy, a chapter on Canadian sovereignty, and a chapter focusing on the Canada-US relationship. Each summary briefly outlines the key arguments and themes discussed within that chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Key terms include: Canadian foreign policy, Westminster Statute (1931), Canada-US relations, continental integration, sovereignty, independence, economic interdependence, NAFTA, historical analysis, realpolitik, and anti-Americanism.
What is the overall goal or objective of the paper?
The paper aims to understand the evolution of Canada's foreign policy after 1931, analyzing its shifting relationship with Great Britain and the United States. It seeks to determine whether increased cooperation with the US represents a continuous process or a new beginning, and to assess the long-term prospects for an independent Canadian state in the face of a powerful neighbor.
- Citar trabajo
- Hendrik M. Buurman (Autor), 2002, Canadian foreign policy after the Westminster Statute of 1931 -The shift from British hegemon to an American one, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/11160
