Review: Canadian Foreign Policy in a Changing World

Abstract

CANADIAN FOREIGN POLICY IN A CHANGING WORLD John Kirton Toronto: Nelson, 2007. 592pp, $73.95 cloth (ISBN 017625207x).What stands out about John Kirton is his optimistic spirit. In his book, there is no doom-and-gloom image of disappearing from view in affairs. Far from being in a steep decline, continues to be a pivotal power, a status both recognized and amplified by its membership in what Kirton privileges as central club of global governance, Group of Eight (G8). is firmly up with big players at apex of hierarchy of states.Kirtoris position on Canadian foreign policy was established in early 19803 with publication of his co-authored book with David Dewitt, as a Principal Power. ascendant position at that time was deemed to be a result of a mix of structure and agency. Under conditions of resource booms (with both global fuel and food shocks), material strengths had been underscored. Moreover, diplomatic room for manoeuvre was opened up by combination of apparent decline of US hegemony and explicit pursuit of national interest by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. had risen to top in international status ranking by taking on a role in establishing, specifying, and enforcing order (38).Kirtoris newly published text, Canadian Foreign Policy in a Changing World, updates and expands on these themes. Despite its title, there is as much continuity as there is change in Kirtoris perception of location and space in world. Once again, US leadership is seen as being eroded, albeit this time as a result of Iraq and overstretch of its military, not detente. The opportunities for in global affairs far outweigh its vulnerabilities.The major shift in Kirton approach between two eras has been a narrowing of lens for framing Canadian foreign policy. In original work, was viewed as making a difference everywhere and on everything. principal power profile and capabilities were traced through diffuse case studies ranging from issues dealing with outer space to Middle East.In new book, role is recalibrated through an institutional concentration, and pride of place is given to role in Gy/S, especially its performance as host ofthat forum or club from Montebello in 1981 to Kananasksis in 2002. Instead of looking at issues from a functional perspective, role of as a joiner is magnified, with a focus on as a member of NATO, APEC, OAS, UN, and of course G8. Indeed, special attention is given to what Kirton terms Summit System of Institutions (499).A flavour of optimistic spirit that pervades text is captured by some of subheadings in regional overviews. The chapter on CanadaUS relations contains a section on Canada as a competitive global governor, while Europe and chapters highlight expanded eurocentricity and Canada's expansion in Americas respectively. And is viewed as taking on many of responsibilities-formerly attributed to Britain, France, and US-for African development. Looking through a framework that highlights specific initiatives, whether Zaire in 1996, African partnership forum, or G8 Africa action plan, Africa is taken to be the region where emergence as a principal power in a diffuse system [has been] most pronounced (368).The fact that Kirtoris view of Canadian foreign policy is a minority view does not deter him. Indeed, more he has become a rare species of Canadian academic, more his sense of confidence shines through. In early 19803, principal power perspective enjoyed some solid company. A collection edited by Norman Hillmer and Garth Stevenson in 1977 contained essays by a mix of academic notables around theme of as a foremost nation. …