Behind Canada's do-gooder facade in the Americas is a country torn in contradictory directions, not all of which are particularly benevolent. Under the government of Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, three factors have exerted a powerful influence on Canadian involvement in Latin America: (1) corporate interests, particularly extractive industries, (2) politicians’ commitment to free market fundamentalism, and (3), above all, the government’s frankly slavish alignment with U.S. foreign policy. This disposition has increasingly undermined Canada’s traditional reputation and has sent an unfortunate message to the region: Tory Canada is the Empire’s apprentice.
May/June
2010
Volume:
43
Number:
3