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Question 5: SecurityHow does the military best serve Canada’s foreign policy objectives:
though national and continental defence; combat missions in support of international
coalitions; peacekeeping; all of the above? |
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| Contributor: | 1900 |
| Date: |
2003-05-01 15:57:47 |
| Answer: |
The military best serves Canada's foreign policy objectives through international peacekeeping. Its role in all other areas should be considerably reduced for the following reasons:
1. National defence in Canada is an oxymoron. We have virtually no hope of defending our territory against an aggressor, and, very fortunately, have little reason to fear a military invasion of our territory. Probably the highest priority is to defend our coastal waters from over-exploitation of marine resources and from pollution. This priority may be better met by a strengthened coast guard than strengthened naval forces.
2. Contintental defence is an important responsibility, as Canada could be a route into the US. However, with the end of the Cold War, the likelihood of our northern territories being used for missile flights or our northern waters being used by hostile submarines is considerably lessened. It is far more likely that those seeking to damage our neighbour will try to infiltrate through Canadian ports and airports. The appropriate response to such measures is two-fold:
a) tight border controls--a matter for customs and immigration rather than the armed forces, and
b) encouraging a foreign policy in the US that is less likely to generate hostility against it from other countries--a matter for diplomacy.
3. Combat missions in international coalitions should be undertaken only under UN auspices. Canada should keep a small well-equipped and well-trained combat force in readiness to participate in such missions.
4. Peacekeeping should be the principal area in which the Canadian military serves. Training and equipping of our armed forces should be conducted with this priority in mind.
5. Canada should consider developing expertise in conflict resolution before armed conflict breaks out and dedicate some of its military budget to the training and support of a team to engage in non-violent conflict resolution along the lines of the Non-violent Peace Force. |
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