Essay on Is it possible for Canada to have a foreign policy independent of the United States?

Answering the question – “Is it possible for Canada to have a foreign policy independent of the United States?”, the stand point is political and economic rationality anyway. In other words, the policy towards U.S. isolationism is possible, however, it would not be acceptable considering Canada’s interest in own prosperity and chosen way of global integration. It is stated that foreign policy of Canada cannot be independent from United States considering geographical position of both countries, U.S. heading role in international organizations and predominant position of U.S. economy in addition to its much largest part of American energetic market.

According to respectful scholars, U.S. is the most important foreign tie for Canada (Dupre; Crowly). Significant support to this fact was North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) approval. Considering geographical position, U.S. is the most relevant trading market for Canadian companies. In its turn, U.S. are not so restricted with geographical conditions. Although, both countries are well dependent on each other significantly, specialists note that Southern partner of Canada has more leverages of economic influence, and energetic resources are one of the most important among all of them (Engler).

At second, it should not be forgotten that Canada is a member of United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It will not be a secret to say that policy of such organization as NATO for example is largely affected by the predominant voice of U.S.A. (Potter). This fact has deep politically-historical roots and does not need some extra proves. Thus, being a member of international formation Canada takes the responsibility of established directions and standards keeping in their foreign affairs and official positions. In this aspect, considering current Canada’s way of development, we are not able to speak that this state can have a foreign policy independent of the United States.