Bilateralism in foreign policy: Canada and the Maghreb countries

Abstract

This article examines bilateralism as an instrument of Canadian foreign policy, focusing on Canada's relations with the Maghreb countries Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. By examining Canadian policy toward the Maghreb countries on such issues as national unity, development assistance, and the promotion of Canadian exports, the author argues that Canada's bilateral relations with these countries were not simply the product of old historical ties or the presence of immigrant communities in Canada. Rather, they were the result of deliberate policy making in response to specific Canadian interests. The article argues that, while multilateral diplomacy has historically formed a major component of Canada's post‐war foreign policy; bilateralism has also proved useful in the advancement of certain Canadian foreign policy objectives.