Introduction (the American Review of Canadian Studies Assesses Canadian-U.S. Relations in the Light of New Strains on the Relationship)

摘要: This is a very special issue of The American Review Canadian Studies. In it, group U.S. and authors address the familiar topic bilateral relationship find not entirely surprisingly, to be in state flux. Many profound changes are taking place that affect citizens both countries. It is, therefore, suprising see has also been affected, by such things as technological innovation, modern media, natural resource scarcity, environmental degradation. addition, two countries share trade investment which increasingly structured dependent upon multinational corporations--the behaviors, motivations, effects remain poorly understood. At same time, Canada United States struggling define their roles international system without, given recent events throughout world, old paradigms. States, policy toward for much twentieth century governed pursuit an agenda liberalization began during Taft administration was largely completed Clinton with ratification North Free Trade Agreement. Since then, new strategic objectives Canada, beyond preservation cozy status quo, have yet take shape policy. most devoted struggle develop advance independent foreign policy--independent first from British later (at least appearance) Difficult this was, particularly Cold War, now emerged relatively powerful player affairs, part because determination relative power no longer clearly derived ability project force across long distances. What role wishes play era, how it will its national interests, relations still unknown. These questions come governments Washington Ottawa begin set agendas respective second mandates, mandates carry threshold century. case U.S., where second-term presidents faced diminishing influence time remaining office dwindles, there many distractions prevent attempting redefine goals--or even irritants--in relationship. election campaign reminder unity command Chretien government's energy, therefore may distract attention any rethinking attempt diplomatic between ARCS. editors previous characterized period appeared, midway through term early mandate government, one were "weathering calm." Yet calm certainly short-lived: soon after, challenge 1995 Quebec Referendum, disputes over number cultural decisions affecting clash hardening regarding Cuba. worked together establish architecture post-Cold War expansion membership NATO, within Western Hemisphere, close partnership rebuild Haiti. sought input reacting collapse Mobutu's Zaire and, again, tried bring peace Bosnia on model Dayton Peace Accords. …