Navigating a New World: Canada's Global Future

Lloyd Axworthy, Toronto: Knopf, 2003. 450 pp; $37.95.

By Karin Brothers (reviewer) | 2004-01-01 12:00:00

Lloyd Axworthy's Navigating a New World: Canada's Global Future is a call to reverse the path Canada is now following, a path that will lead to the loss of control over Canadian security, resources, and values.

Trade deals and joint security arrangements with the US are routes to economic and military integration. The predicament is made worse by the influence of US business and media on Canadian government and society.

While US leaders extol the wealth generated from NAFTA and other trade agreements, Axworthy sees them as increasing Canadian poverty and environmental degradation. He sees US-defined globalization as an affront to democracy and a disaster for developing countries. Axworthy's vision is of a global community based on rules rather than power; of alliances that would balance the overwhelming power of the US; of a new paradigm of individual human security (as defined by the 2002 report "The Responsibility to Protect") that would counter current concepts of absolute sovereignty and the interests of trade and power; and of a world of concerned, connected citizens working toward a truly democratic and open global citizenship.

Axworthy states that Canada must "marshall (its) resources to fight for (its) freedom to manoeuvre and use that freedom to advance international goals that serve (its) goals and reflect (its) interests; it must retain the freedom to make choices based on Canadian values." An experienced and resourceful public servant, Axworthy provides guidelines based on his experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs, including his successful effort on the banning of landmines. His primary strategies are to work toward global citizenship; to strengthen democratic international organizations; to form many kinds of tactical alliances; and to communicate Canadian positions more effectively internationally. Among his specific recommendations are:

An effective political strategy to stake out Canada's own political and economic space in North America;
International alliances -- particularly with Mexico -- as a counterweight to US influence;
Non-binding mechanisms to deal with issues between the US and Canada so that agreements are based on rules rather than power. Bodies formed to deal with specific issues, such as the International Joint Commission, should be encouraged.
Definitions of security and related issues reflecting Canadian needs and values; NORAD especially needs redefinition;
An assessment of the role of the UN in the world and of Canada's role in the UN; the UN must be maintained as an effective organization and the veto power of the permanent five members checked;
A new focus on human security as a universal right could revitalize and expand international law;
International alliances with like-minded countries and supportive NGOs such as the Lysoen Declaration (the H-8 Human Security network)
Terrorism should be treated like any other criminal behavior, with judicial rather than military responses. It should be handled through the International Criminal Court, not militarily. Canadian bill C-19 facilitates Canadian use of the ICC for war criminals and terrorists;
Establishing more Canadian consulates abroad, including in the United States.

Cynics may suggest that powerful interests will continue to block international human right legislation, or that a superpower will not easily give up the "rights" it has accorded to itself, or respect values that are not its own, or bow to a world community of smaller, weaker states.

But Canadians do not have a choice; they must act to preserve their rights and values. (A recent poll by the Centre for Research and Information in Canada found that a majority either did not want closer ties to the USor felt that current ties were already too close.)

Following Axworthy's advice may be the best course to ensure independence at home and fairer international relationships abroad. He has pointed us toward the routes we must take to maintain the well-being, not only of Canadian society, but of the world.

Reviewed by Karin Brothers, a Peace Magazine associate editor.