Discovering the Americas: The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy Towards Latin America(Canada and International Relations)

Over much of this century, Canada has played only a minor role inhemispheric affairs. In recent years, dramatic changes have occurredwhich have catapulted Canada to the role of full partner in theAmericas. These include Canada's decision to enter the Organizationof American States as a full member, its involvement in the NAFTAnegotiations, its important peacekeeping role in Central America, andits support for a process of hemispheric integration. Discovering the Americas describes and analyzes theevolution of Canadian foreign policy towards Latin America. The book isdivided into three parts, each reflecting a distinct phase ofCanada's relations with the Americas. Part 1 traces Canada'sminimal relations from the beginning of the century until the Trudeauyears. Part 2 examines the Trudeau era when, partly propelled bynationalism, Canada sought a more independent role in its relationswith Latin America. Part 3 discusses the post- 1984 era, which has beenmarked by the prospect of an emerging hegemony in the Americas. The central thesis of this timely book is that changing hegemonicstructures represent the most significant factor shaping Canadianpolicy in the region. Rochlin argues that the emergence in the late1980s and 1990s of global trading blocs and the trend towardsideological convergence have opened up new opportunities for Canada inthe hemisphere. Canada's role in inter-American affairs is becomingincreasingly entrenched and is unlikely to recede.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Maps Introduction: Canada and Latin America Part 1: Distant Neighbours 1. First Encounters 2. The Cold War: Diverging Paths 3. Ideological Pluralism: Cuba and the Dominican Republic Part Two: The Trudeau Years 4. New Approaches 5. 1969-73: Early Promise 6. 1974-9: Gathering Strength 7. 1980-4: Crisis and the End of an Era Part Three: The Mulroney Years 8. 1984-8: The Predominance of Central America 9. The North American Free Trade Agreement 10. Canada and the Organization of American States 11. Security and Conflict Resolution Conclusion Appendix Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
James Rochlin is Research Fellow at the Centre forLatin American and Caribbean Studies at York University and Professorin the Department of Political Science at Okanagan University College,Kelowna, British Columbia.

Review :
An interesting, important and innovative work on Canada's foreign policy in Latin America ... the most comprehensive study available of hemispheric relations as part of Canadian foreign policy. - Mark O. Dickerson (Canadian Journal of Political Science) A solid, well-written volume that not only makes a contribution to the literature but should also provide policymakers in Canada with insights during the current review of Canadian foreign policy - Stephen J. Randall (The American Review of Canadian Studies) James Rochlin has undertaken a timely, and long overdue, study of Canada's involvement in inter-American affairs ... A solid, scholarly piece of work. This book is a must-read for anyone who has an interest in, or is conducting research on, Canada's burgeoning involvement in the Americas. - Peter McKenna (The International History Review)