Two-Edged Sword: The Navy as an Instrument of Canadian Foreign Policy

by Nicholas Tracy

Overview

In the first major study of the Royal Canadian Navy's contribution to foreign policy, Nicholas Tracy takes a comprehensive look at the paradox that Canada faces in participating in a system of collective defence as a means of avoiding subordination to other countries. Created in 1910 to support Canadian autonomy, the Royal Canadian Navy has played an important role in defining Canada's relationship with the United Kingdom, the United States, and NATO. Initially involved with participation in Imperial and Commonwealth defence, the RCN's role shifted following the Second World War to primarily ensuring the survival of the NATO alliance and deflecting American influence over Canada. Tracy demonstrates the ways in which the Navy's priorities have realigned since the end of the Cold War, this time partnering with the US and NATO navies in global policing. Insightful, detailed, and grounded in solid historical scholarship, A Two-Edged Sword presents a complete portrait of the shifting relevance and future of a cornerstone of Canadian defence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780773587816
Publisher:	McGill-Queens University Press
Publication date:	10/01/2012
Series:	Carleton Library Series , #225
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	488
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Nicholas Tracy, adjunct professor of history at the University of New Brunswick and member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is the author of fifteen books, including Britannia's Palette: The Arts of Naval Victory.

Table of Contents

Illustrations xi

Preface and Acknowledgments xiii

Abbreviations and Acronyms xv

Introduction 3

1 A National Navy in an Imperial Context: The Beginning 18

2 A National Navy in an Imperial Context: Between the Wars 38

3 Lessons of the Second World War 64

4 The Navy and the New Imperium 92

5 The Cold War: Suez, the Cuban Crisis, and the End of the "Golden Age" 126

6 The Cold War: Detente, Rust-out, and Renewal 156

7 The Cold War: Endgame 179

8 Sanctions Enforcement: Iraq 198

9 Sanctions Enforcement: Yugoslavia and Haiti 220

10 Constabulary Action and International Leverage: The "Turbot War" 243

11 Continental Defence and Global Policing 254

12 The Navy and the Arctic 287

Conclusion: The Past Is Prologue 299

Appendix 1: Pro-active Sanctions 319

Appendix 2: Milestones in Canadian Naval History 327

Notes 339

Bibliography 407

Index 457

Editorial Reviews

"This work will be of interest to anyone working in the whole international relations area. Its particular value is that it gives strong historical analysis through a long time span, and is equally strong on major current issues whose importance will likely grow in the future." Roger Sarty, author of The Maritime Defence of Canada


"For me, this was a deeply intriguing book that begs several more detailed readings, and it will enjoy a privileged place in my library. It is very highly recommended for all those who have a role in managing the civil-military interface (not only maritime!) in Canada's foreign affairs." Nigel Greenwood, The Northern Mariner


"Nicholas Tracy's comprehensive and thoroughly researched book is a must-have for those interested in maritime affairs. Although some readers may prefer a concise version, Tracy's unique insight into current naval thinking and the direction of Canadian foreign policy more than justifies the breadth and detail of his scholarship." International Journal

From the Publisher