This paper discusses Canadian foreign policy within the framework of emerging Asian markets and the diversification of Canadian energy resources. Using Robert Putnam's (1989) two-level game theory, it identifies why Canada has been prompted to shift its focus to Asia and what domestic and international factors challenge Canadian foreign policy goals. This paper discusses these issues in the context of Canada strengthening its relations in the Asia-Pacific in general, as well as its ability to diversify its top export - oil and natural gas - to energy hungry Asian markets.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
THESIS STATEMENT
METHODOLOGY
LIMITATIONS
LITERATURE REVIEW
CANADA’S TRADE DEPENDENCE ON THE UNITED STATES
CANADA AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC POWER SHIFT
STATE IDENTITY AND PERCEPTIONS OF CANADA AS A PACIFIC NATION
NARRATIVE
THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
LEVEL I: TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP MEMBER RESTRICTIONS ON CANADA
LEVEL II: CANADA’S SUPPLY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS STANDARDS
ASIA-CANADA PERCEPTIONS AND RELATIONS
LEVEL I: ASIA-PACIFIC PERCEPTIONS OF CANADA
LEVEL II: CHINESE FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND CANADIAN PERCEPTIONS OF ASIA
U.S. FOREIGN ENERGY DEPENDENCE AND THE DIVERSIFICATION OF CANADIAN OIL
LEVEL I: U.S. DEPENDENCE ON CANADIAN OIL AND THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE
LEVEL II: SHIPPING ALBERTA’S OIL SANDS RESOURCES TO NON-U.S. MARKETS
CONCLUSION
Research Objectives & Key Themes
This paper examines the domestic and international challenges hindering Canada's efforts to diversify its trade and energy exports toward emerging Asia-Pacific markets, utilizing Robert Putnam's two-level game theory to analyze the interplay between these complex factors.
- Application of two-level game theory to Canadian foreign policy.
- Challenges of energy diversification away from U.S.-dependent markets.
- The impact of Canadian domestic policies and public opinion on international trade negotiations.
- Role of infrastructure projects like Keystone XL and Northern Gateway in trade strategy.
- The influence of national identity and public perception on foreign policy goals.
Excerpt from the Book
U.S. FOREIGN ENERGY DEPENDENCE AND THE DIVERSIFICATION OF CANADIAN OIL
As previously discussed, Canada and the United States have an unprecedented and extremely integrated trade network that produces an enormous source of income to both countries and creates a substantial amount of jobs. In terms of energy resources, the United States remains and will continue to remain heavily dependent on Canadian oil and gas for the foreseeable future, despite an expected decline in Canadian energy demand. The contentious Keystone XL pipeline [see MAP B] is a case that acts as a flashpoint as to why Canada has attempted to expand its energy export network to Asian markets, why energy-hungry Asia is important to Canada, and how the rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline has consequently mobilized Canadian policymakers to pivot toward Asian markets while also doing the same for domestic opposition groups. The following section outlines how the United States has become heavily reliant on Canadian energy products, how domestic American interests have led to continued delays of the Canadian endorsed Keystone XL pipeline, and how Canadian domestic factors have resulted in stalling the construction of necessary infrastructure to transport Canadian energy products to Asian markets.
Chapter Summary
INTRODUCTION: Establishes the context of Canada's historical reliance on trade and the current strategic shift toward emerging Asian economies due to shifting global power dynamics.
METHODOLOGY: Outlines the use of Robert Putnam’s two-level game framework to analyze how domestic and international factors influence Canadian foreign policy negotiations.
LIMITATIONS: Defines the scope of the study, noting that it focuses exclusively on two-level game theory and excludes broader debates such as global climate change or specific ethics of oil sands development.
LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines existing scholarly perspectives on Canada's trade dependence on the U.S., the impact of the Asia-Pacific power shift, and the influence of public perception on policy.
NARRATIVE: Serves as the central analysis section, categorizing the various challenges Canada faces in reaching its trade and energy objectives into international and domestic levels.
THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP: Discusses the TPP as a vital opportunity for Canada, while highlighting domestic policy barriers like supply management that complicate negotiations.
ASIA-CANADA PERCEPTIONS AND RELATIONS: Analyzes the gap between Canada’s economic ambitions in Asia and the skepticism held by Asian states, exacerbated by Canadian domestic distrust.
U.S. FOREIGN ENERGY DEPENDENCE AND THE DIVERSIFICATION OF CANADIAN OIL: Explores the constraints of the U.S.-focused energy export model and the domestic political challenges facing infrastructure projects meant to reach Asian markets.
CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that while international progress has been made, domestic political and public opposition remains the primary hurdle for Canada's diversification strategy.
Keywords
Canadian Foreign Policy, Asia-Pacific, Two-Level Game Theory, Energy Diversification, Trans-Pacific Partnership, U.S.-Canada Trade, Keystone XL, Oil Sands, Supply Management, Public Opinion, Economic Integration, Northern Gateway, Energy East, Foreign Direct Investment, International Relations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the domestic and international obstacles Canada faces when attempting to shift its trade and energy export focus toward the Asia-Pacific region.
What are the central thematic fields addressed?
The key themes include energy security, international trade agreements, the role of national identity in foreign policy, and the impact of domestic political interest groups.
What is the main objective of the research?
The goal is to identify what has prompted Canada’s pivot toward Asia and, specifically, which domestic and international variables are hampering the country's ability to succeed in this strategic reorientation.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author employs Robert Putnam’s (1988) two-level game theory framework, which analyzes how international negotiations are constrained by domestic political realities.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body investigates specific case studies, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the challenges of China-Canada relations, and the political difficulties regarding energy infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL and Northern Gateway pipelines.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Canadian Foreign Policy, Two-Level Game Theory, Asia-Pacific, Energy Diversification, and Trade Integration.
How does the Trans-Pacific Partnership represent a conflict for Canada?
It highlights the tension between Canada's desire to join a large economic bloc and the pressure from member nations to dismantle domestic protectionist policies like the supply management system.
How do domestic pipeline projects reflect the paper's central argument?
They illustrate how even when the federal government views an export strategy as a national economic priority, sub-federal opposition and domestic public opinion can effectively stall or block necessary infrastructure.
- Quote paper
- Michael Kennedy (Author), 2014, Domestic and International Challenges Facing Canada's Foreign Policy Objectives in Asia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/299121
