How the issues of national security impact Canada’s foreign policy

National security is a core element of any nation’s foreign policy, as it directly affects a country’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty, maintain territorial integrity, and ensure the well-being of its citizens. For Canada, a country with a long-standing commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and human rights, national security issues have played a significant role in shaping its foreign policy priorities. Canada’s approach to national security and foreign policy is influenced by its geographical location, its close relationship with the United States, its membership in international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and NATO, and its strong commitment to peacekeeping and humanitarian initiatives.

10.1 Geopolitical Context and National Security

Canada’s national security concerns are shaped by its position as a vast, sparsely populated country, bordering the world’s most powerful military state, the United States. While Canada enjoys a relatively stable and secure position within the international system, its proximity to the U.S. has led to both opportunities for cooperation and concerns about sovereignty and security.

1. U.S.-Canada Relations:
   1. The relationship between Canada and the United States has had a profound impact on Canada’s national security policy. As two of the closest neighbors, the countries share extensive trade, cultural, and security ties. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), established in 1958, is a prime example of the cooperation between the two nations to address shared national security concerns, particularly in aerospace defense.
   1. Canada’s commitment to working closely with the U.S. on defense issues has sometimes led to tensions, particularly over foreign policy decisions. For example, Canada’s refusal to participate in the 2003 Iraq War was a point of contention, but Canada’s decision to remain neutral was largely driven by concerns about sovereignty and the importance of international law in maintaining peace and security.
   1. In recent years, the Canada-U.S. border has become an area of increasing focus in terms of security. Measures to enhance border security and cooperation, such as smart border agreements and counter-terrorism initiatives, have been important elements in Canada’s national security strategy, reflecting the desire to balance the need for security with maintaining a strong economic relationship.
2. Global Security Threats:
   1. Canada is also concerned with global security challenges, such as the proliferation of nuclear weapons, international terrorism, and the rise of authoritarian regimes. For example, Canada’s involvement in peacekeeping operations, particularly under the auspices of the United Nations, reflects the country’s commitment to addressing international conflict and instability through diplomatic means and military intervention when necessary.
   1. The rise of terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda, and the subsequent threat of Islamic State (ISIS), has significantly shaped Canadian foreign policy. Canada’s participation in military coalitions, such as the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, illustrates the country’s commitment to combatting terrorism while promoting human rights and the rule of law.

10.2 National Security and Canada’s Multilateralism

A key characteristic of Canada’s foreign policy is its strong commitment to multilateralism — the belief in working through international organizations to address global issues. Canada’s national security strategy is deeply connected to its participation in a range of multilateral institutions that promote peace, security, and cooperation.

1. The United Nations (UN):
   1. The UN has been a cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy, with Canada being one of the founding members of the UN in 1945. Canada has consistently supported UN peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution efforts, aligning its national security interests with global stability. For example, Canada’s participation in peacekeeping missions, such as those in Cyprus, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has underscored its commitment to international security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
   1. Canada’s membership in the UN Security Council, as a non-permanent member, also plays an important role in shaping its national security agenda. Through the UN, Canada has promoted the importance of human rights, the rule of law, and diplomacy as fundamental components of security, rather than relying solely on military force.
2. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
   1. Canada has been a member of NATO since its founding in 1949 and views the alliance as a key element of its national security policy. NATO’s principle of collective defense, enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, ensures that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, and Canada’s participation in NATO reinforces its commitment to the security of the North Atlantic region and beyond.
   1. Canada has contributed to NATO-led operations, such as the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and has participated in efforts to deter Russian aggression in Eastern Europe through its involvement in the Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) in the Baltic states. These commitments demonstrate how national security concerns, particularly in relation to global terrorism and geopolitical tensions, have influenced Canada’s foreign policy decisions.
3. The Arctic:
   1. Canada’s national security interests are also closely tied to the Arctic region, given the region’s strategic importance and its role in global environmental and geopolitical issues. As the world’s second-largest country by landmass, Canada has significant territorial claims in the Arctic, and it is actively involved in international efforts to regulate the use of resources in the region.
   1. With the melting of Arctic ice due to climate change, there has been increased attention on the potential for resource extraction and shipping routes in the Arctic. Canada’s national security concerns in this context include the protection of its sovereignty over Arctic territories, as well as ensuring the peaceful and cooperative management of the region’s resources. Canada’s foreign policy in the Arctic reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability, the protection of Indigenous communities, and regional cooperation with other Arctic states, such as the United States, Russia, and Norway.

10.3 National Security and Canada’s Role in Counterterrorism and Humanitarian Initiatives

Canada’s foreign policy, shaped by national security concerns, often seeks to balance the protection of its own interests with its global humanitarian commitments. This balancing act is evident in Canada’s approach to counterterrorism and humanitarian interventions.

1. Counterterrorism and Intelligence:
   1. As part of its national security strategy, Canada has placed a significant emphasis on intelligence gathering and counterterrorism efforts. This is evident in Canada’s partnerships with international intelligence-sharing organizations, such as the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. These alliances facilitate the exchange of information and collaboration on security threats, particularly with regard to terrorism, cyber threats, and organized crime.
   1. Canada’s Anti-Terrorism Act (2001) was enacted in response to the events of September 11, 2001, and grants Canadian security agencies, such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), greater powers to prevent and respond to terrorist activities.
2. Humanitarian Interventions:
   1. While Canada prioritizes national security, it also seeks to uphold its humanitarian principles in foreign policy. Canada’s involvement in military interventions, such as the NATO-led operation in Libya (2011) and peacekeeping missions in countries like Sudan and Haiti, reflects its commitment to addressing conflicts while protecting civilian populations.
   1. Canada’s foreign policy continues to evolve, with a focus on human rights, democracy promotion, and sustainable development, while maintaining national security objectives. The protection of Canadian citizens abroad and the safeguarding of Canadian values are critical aspects of this approach.

10.4 Conclusion

In conclusion, national security has a profound and multifaceted impact on Canada’s foreign policy. As a middle power with global commitments, Canada has consistently sought to balance the need for national defense with its broader goals of promoting peace, stability, and human rights. Canada’s strong ties with the U.S., its involvement in multilateral organizations such as the UN and NATO, and its focus on counterterrorism and humanitarian initiatives all reflect the ways in which national security considerations shape the country’s foreign policy. At the same time, Canada’s approach to security emphasizes diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for international law, reflecting its broader commitment to a just and peaceful world order.