Reconfiguring Canadian Democracy Promotion

摘要: Convergence with the US approach?The promotion of democracy has been a key element Canadian foreign policy and development assistance for over two decades. Although its contributions are still modest in comparison to those other agencies, International Development Agency's budget grown steadily years, doubling io years from $223 million 1996 $477.9 2006.1 Along freedom, human rights, rule law, is one four core values guiding current Conservative government Prime Minister Stephen Harper, supporting (or, bureaucratese agency, "helping strengthen governance institutions practices") remains CIDA priority. At regional level, moreover, democracy, security, prosperity comprise three pillars government's Americas strategy.At first glance, there little objectionable about that emphasizes importance democratic - even if some might argue Harper own behaviour at home renders it an unlikely candidate giving lessons on abroad. There indications, however, Canada subordinating overall approach obj ectives fact have very do democracy. This includes interrelated tendencies: use as rationale advance unrelated security objectives commercial interests, attempt exert greater control community practice, term will be addressed below.As governments across hemisphere contest neoliberal model, increasingly being used political device promote free markets criticize strayed Washington consensus. In new discourse, conflated market seen precondition realization. The subordination questionable linkages involves tendencies predate government, including increasing Department Foreign Affairs Trade. Under independence Canada's main arm's-length Rights Democracy, come under attack, while many progressive nongovernmental organizations involved their funding cut. Such developments threaten what rights -based expansive view citizenship focus empowering grassroots organizations. For who believe positive role play international stage, these worrying times.Lurking background failure similar by United States. programs often provide support actors spectrum, defining characteristic tendency justification ideological opponents whatever credentials tool economic interests. As parliamentarians themselves recognized, growing involvement comes time when fire.The purpose this article thus twofold: bring fore legitimate concerns surrounding backlash encountered, situate evolution within institutional changes portend closer alignment approach. I look specifically communities practice relation larger both countries, using backdrop explore issues detail. …