UID:
almafu_9959239960102883
Format:
1 online resource (365 p.)
ISBN:
0-7735-6865-4
Content:
Using a new conceptual framework, this study documents and analyses the underlying convictions of influential Canadians, explains why there were such varied degrees of support for NATO, and shows why different leaders either supported or rejected nuclear weapons and the stationing of the Canadian Forces in Europe. Examples taken from previously classified documents illustrate how the underlying convictions of leaders such as Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau significantly shaped defence policy. Behind-the-scenes maneuvering and competing beliefs about nuclear weapons, deterrence strategy, and possible entrapment in a nuclear war led some to defend and others to criticize Canada's approach to both NATO and the bomb. Despite the technological ability and resources to develop its own nuclear weapons - or to acquire them from the United States - Canada ultimately chose not to become a nuclear power. Why did some Canadian leaders defend the nuclear option and urge the deployment of the Canadian Forces in Europe? Why did others condemn the country's nuclear commitments and call for an end to the arms race? Simpson shows that some leaders rejected prevailing American defence strategy and weapons systems to pursue alternative approaches to managing Canada's complex bilateral and multilateral defence relationships.
Note:
Front Matter --
,
Contents --
,
Acknowledgments --
,
Abbreviations and Definitions --
,
Introduction --
,
Canada’s NATO Commitments during the Cold War --
,
Canadian Belief Systems in Context --
,
The Belief Systems of Defenders: General Patterns between 1963 and 1989 --
,
The Belief Systems of Critics: General Patterns between 1963 and 1989 --
,
A Case Study: The Diefenbaker Government’s Shifting NATO Commitments, 1957–1963 --
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The Traditional Beliefs and Assumptions of Defenders, 1957–1963 --
,
The Original Beliefs of Critics and the Onset of New Ways of Thinking, 1957–1963 --
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The Root Causes of Confrontation: Reasons for Defenders’ and Critics’ Belief Systems, 1930s to 1980s --
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The Dilemma of Alliance Membership --
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Notes --
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Bibliography --
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Index
Additional Edition:
ISBN 0-7735-2118-6
Additional Edition:
ISBN 0-7735-2088-0
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1515/9780773568655
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