Canada and ballistic missile defence, 1954-2009 : deja vu all over again / James G. Fergusson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Fergusson, James G. (James Gordon), 1954-

Series:

Studies in Canadian military history

Studies in Canadian Military History

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ballistic missile defenses--Canada--History.

Ballistic missile defenses.

National security--Canada--History.

National security.

Canada--Military policy.

Canada.

Canada--Politics and government--20th century.

Canada--Politics and government--21st century.

Canada--Military relations--United States.

United States--Military relations--Canada.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (352 pages) : illustrations, maps.

Place of Publication:

Vancouver : UBC Press, [2010]

Summary:

Since the mid-1950s, successive Canadian governments have grappled with the issue of Canada's role in US ballistic missile defence programs. Until Paul Martin's government finally said no, policy-makers responded to US initiatives with fear and uncertainty as they endlessly debated the implications � at home and abroad � of participation. However, whether this is the end of the story remains to be seen. Drawing on previously classified government documents and interviews with senior officials, James Fergusson examines Canada's policy deliberations during five major US initiatives. He reveals that a combination of factors such as weak leadership and a tendency to place uncertain and ill-defined notions of international peace and security before national defence resulted in indecision on what role Canada would play in ballistic missile defence. In effect, policy-makers have failed to transform debates about the issue into an opportunity to define Canada's strategic interests at home and on the world stage. Canada and Ballistic Missile Defense is the first comprehensive account of Canada's response and indecision regarding US ballistic missile defence initiatives, and the implications of this inaction.

Contents:

Anti-ballistic missiles : don't worry, be happy (1954-71)

The strategic defense initiative : much ado about very little (1972-85)

Global protection against limited strikes : too close for comfort (1986-92)

National missile defense : let sleeping dogs lie (1993-2000)

Ground-based midcourse defense : is this the end? (2001-05)

Forward to the past (2006-beyond).

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-280-77788-5

9786613688279

0-7748-1752-6

OCLC:

872675014