Introduction
Canada is a highly developed country rich in natural resources; today Canada is also a technologically and industrially advanced state. Canada’s industry is developing under the influence of natural factors, the diversity of cultures and the population arriving from different countries of Europe and the rest of the world. The multi-vector nature of Canada’s foreign policy contributes to its active participation in global international cooperation. The main trends in the socio-economic development of Canada play an important role on the world stage. Based on our history since 1914, Canadians are influential on the international stage.
Main Idea
The vastness of the territory and the diversity of the geological and tectonic structure of the country determine its exceptional wealth of various types of minerals. This natural and most important resource of the country allows Canada to be an important participant in world trade and influence it. The vast land border with the United States allows for profitable trade and political relations with one of the richest countries in the world. The country’s access to the ocean makes it possible to develop powerful relations with other countries using sea transport.
Supporting Details
1914-1938
In 1919, Canada received representation in the Imperial War Council and at the Paris Peace Conference. From that moment, the country’s foreign policy and economic independence began, which allowed Canada to become an important participant in global processes. The war helped to revive the economy of the country, which in 1913 experienced a depression (Smith, 2021). Exports of agricultural products and raw materials increased sharply, which led to a strengthening of positions on the world market.
1939-1967
In 1941-1967 the population of Canada grew from 11.5 million people to 20 million people (Smith, 2021). More than 2 million of this increase was accounted for by immigrants, most of whom came from European countries and settled in cities (Smith, 2021). Canada’s influence on the world community was due to the large number of immigrants who not only brought elements of their culture but also helped to spread Canadian culture outside the country.
1968-Today
At the end of the twentieth century, Canada was implementing its national interests. Canadian diplomats performed one of the most important roles in the process of maintaining peace in the international arena. The country supported the United States in creating and applying market relations in world politics between countries. In the end, Canada took on the responsibility of supporting developing countries and actively manifested itself in the discussion of the problems of rich and poor, North and South.
Supporting the Idea
The examples from various stages of Canadian history not only demonstrate Canada’s independence on the world stage, they also determine the possibilities of the country’s economic and political influence on the world community. Having considered the main directions of Canadian foreign policy throughout its history, it can be said that Canada is an important participant in the globalization process. The fixed principles of cooperation with other countries, based on exports, assistance and reception of immigrants, have firmly strengthened the status and influence of the country.
Conclusion
The new world order challenges the construction of a new Canadian foreign policy in the modern world. New concepts must now meet the needs of modern society and the world order. Changes in the foreign policy environment are also reflected in Canada’s foreign policy, providing it with a new opportunity to strengthen its international influence. To date, Canada is not only influential due to it’s a powerful economy and large exports. The country also affects the international community by leading humanitarian assistance programs and peacekeeping operations in crisis regions of the world.
Reference
Smith, D. B. (2021). Seen but not seen: Influential Canadians and the first nations from the 1840s to today. University of Toronto Press, 27(4), 32–39.