Article Summary
Of Independence and Faustian Bargains: Going Down the Deep Integration Road with Uncle Sam
Report by Bruce CampbellIn this article, Bruce Campbell explores how Canada can continue to maintain its independence in the face of ongoing North American integration. He argues that two changes in the political landscape over the last 15 years have intensified this challenge: 1) the Bush Pax Americana, whose mission to maintain global dominance has little patience for working in concert with the international community, and 2) the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which the author contends is deeply flawed.
According to Campbell, Canada faces increasing pressure to align its policies with the United States. He also argues that, because of NAFTA, economic integration has greatly accelerated and increased Canada’s vulnerability to US actions. However, he asserts that Canadians have to remember that the border matters, and that Canada must act to protect any of its laws and institutions that are under siege.
Campbell argues that charting a different course from America does not imply anti-Americanism; rather, it is simply that Canadians have different values and interests. Campbell argues that Canadians want to reaffirm and preserve their founding myths and historical experiences; Canadians want their laws and institutions to reflect the country’s unique social character and successful blend of individual and collective rights. The author concludes that Canadians should continue to improve living standards, while ensuring that Canada’s economic and political relationships with the rest of the world are not damaged.
(Added: Thu Feb 16 2006 Hits: 152 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
Policy Publication Details
| Author(s): | Bruce Campbell; | ||
| Publisher: | Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives [ Visit Website ] | ||
| Year Published: | 2005; | Publisher Type: | Research Institute |
| Publicly Available: | Yes | Research Focus: | International; |
| Registration Required: | No | Language: | English |
| Payment Required: | No | Publication Format: | Adobe PDF |
Subjects / Categories:
Policy Articles / International Law & Politics / Canada - U.S. Relations
Policy Articles / International Trade, Development & Finance / Canada - U.S. Relations
Policy Articles / International Law & Politics / Canada - U.S. Relations / 2005
Policy Articles / International Trade, Development & Finance / Canada - U.S. Relations / 2005
Policy Articles / International Law & Politics
Policy Articles / International Trade, Development & Finance
Keywords / Tags:
North American integration; Canada-U.S. relations; NAFTA; pressure from the United States; laws and institutions; political relationships;