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A Two-Edged SwordThe Navy as an Instrument of Canadian Foreign Policy |
eBook Available
An examination of the Royal Canadian Navy and its promotion of sovereignty through collective defence.
In the first major study of the Royal Canadian Navy's contribution to foreign policy, Nicholas Tracy takes a comprehensive look at the paradox that Canada faces in participating in a system of collective defence as a means of avoiding subordination to other countries.
Created in 1910 to support Canadian autonomy, the Royal Canadian Navy has played an important role in defining Canada's relationship with the United Kingdom, the United States, and NATO. Initially involved with participation in Imperial and Commonwealth defence, the RCN's role shifted following the Second World War to primarily ensuring the survival of the NATO alliance and deflecting American influence over Canada. Tracy demonstrates the ways in which the Navy's priorities have realigned since the end of the Cold War, this time partnering with the US and NATO navies in global policing.
Insightful, detailed, and grounded in solid historical scholarship, A Two-Edged Sword presents a complete portrait of the shifting relevance and future of a cornerstone of Canadian defence.
Created in 1910 to support Canadian autonomy, the Royal Canadian Navy has played an important role in defining Canada's relationship with the United Kingdom, the United States, and NATO. Initially involved with participation in Imperial and Commonwealth defence, the RCN's role shifted following the Second World War to primarily ensuring the survival of the NATO alliance and deflecting American influence over Canada. Tracy demonstrates the ways in which the Navy's priorities have realigned since the end of the Cold War, this time partnering with the US and NATO navies in global policing.
Insightful, detailed, and grounded in solid historical scholarship, A Two-Edged Sword presents a complete portrait of the shifting relevance and future of a cornerstone of Canadian defence.
Details
Part of the Carleton Library Series (number 225 in series)
496 Pages, 6 x 9
35 b&w photos
ISBN 9780773540521
October 2013
Formats: Paperback, eBook
“A Two-Edged Sword places the whole history of the Canadian navy in national and international contexts in a manner that is otherwise only achieved by works that deal with a short chronology or a specific event. It is a must-have for specialists and its clear analysis of current international issues will also appeal to a broad general readership.” Roger Sarty, Wilfrid Laurier University
"For me, this was a deeply intriguing book that begs several more detailed readings, and it will enjoy a privileged place in my library. It is very highly recommended for all those who have a role in managing the civil-military interface (not only maritime!) in Canada's foreign affairs." Nigel Greenwood, The Northern Mariner
“…an essay in serious and authoritative historical analysis with much contemporary salience that deserves the highest commendation.” The Mariner’s Mirror
"Nicholas Tracy's comprehensive and thoroughly researched book is a must-have for those interested in maritime affairs. Although some readers may prefer a concise version, Tracy's unique insight into current naval thinking and the direction of Canadian foreign policy more than justifies the breadth and detail of his scholarship." International Journal
"Tracy provides a major contribution in arguably one of the most thorough political examinations of the Royal Canadian Navy from its birth to the present day... Tracy's study not only provides a valuable narrative of the history of the RCN but also opens the door to much deeper questions about the role of the Canadian Forces in supporting and advancing Canadian national interests. Above all else, he demonstrates the clear linkage between foreign policy and military capabilities and commitments - a linkage which policy-makers in Ottawa, the media, and the public at large need constantly be reminded." Canada’s History
"For me, this was a deeply intriguing book that begs several more detailed readings, and it will enjoy a privileged place in my library. It is very highly recommended for all those who have a role in managing the civil-military interface (not only maritime!) in Canada's foreign affairs." Nigel Greenwood, The Northern Mariner
“…an essay in serious and authoritative historical analysis with much contemporary salience that deserves the highest commendation.” The Mariner’s Mirror
"Nicholas Tracy's comprehensive and thoroughly researched book is a must-have for those interested in maritime affairs. Although some readers may prefer a concise version, Tracy's unique insight into current naval thinking and the direction of Canadian foreign policy more than justifies the breadth and detail of his scholarship." International Journal
"Tracy provides a major contribution in arguably one of the most thorough political examinations of the Royal Canadian Navy from its birth to the present day... Tracy's study not only provides a valuable narrative of the history of the RCN but also opens the door to much deeper questions about the role of the Canadian Forces in supporting and advancing Canadian national interests. Above all else, he demonstrates the clear linkage between foreign policy and military capabilities and commitments - a linkage which policy-makers in Ottawa, the media, and the public at large need constantly be reminded." Canada’s History
Nicholas Tracy, adjunct professor of history at the University of New Brunswick and member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is the author of fifteen books, including Britannia's Palette: The Arts of Naval Victory.
Illustrations / xi
Preface and Acknowledgments / xiii
Abbreviations and Acronyms / xv
Introduction / 3
1 A National Navy in an Imperial Context: The Beginning / 18
2 A National Navy in an Imperial Context: Between the Wars / 38
3 Lessons of the Second World War / 64
4 The Navy and the New Imperium / 92
5 The Cold War: Suez, the Cuban Crisis, and the End of the
“Golden Age” / 126
6 The Cold War: Détente, Rust-out, and Renewal / 156
7 The Cold War: Endgame / 179
8 Sanctions Enforcement: Iraq / 198
9 Sanctions Enforcement: Yugoslavia and Haiti / 220
10 Constabulary Action and International Leverage:
The “Turbot War” / 243
11 Continental Defence and Global Policing / 254
12 The Navy and the Arctic / 287
Conclusion: The Past Is Prologue / 299
Appendix 1: Pro-active Sanctions / 319
Appendix 2: Milestones in Canadian Naval History / 327
Notes / 339
Bibliography / 407
Index / 457
Preface and Acknowledgments / xiii
Abbreviations and Acronyms / xv
Introduction / 3
1 A National Navy in an Imperial Context: The Beginning / 18
2 A National Navy in an Imperial Context: Between the Wars / 38
3 Lessons of the Second World War / 64
4 The Navy and the New Imperium / 92
5 The Cold War: Suez, the Cuban Crisis, and the End of the
“Golden Age” / 126
6 The Cold War: Détente, Rust-out, and Renewal / 156
7 The Cold War: Endgame / 179
8 Sanctions Enforcement: Iraq / 198
9 Sanctions Enforcement: Yugoslavia and Haiti / 220
10 Constabulary Action and International Leverage:
The “Turbot War” / 243
11 Continental Defence and Global Policing / 254
12 The Navy and the Arctic / 287
Conclusion: The Past Is Prologue / 299
Appendix 1: Pro-active Sanctions / 319
Appendix 2: Milestones in Canadian Naval History / 327
Notes / 339
Bibliography / 407
Index / 457
9780773545977
$40.95 CAD
Paperback
Winner
John Lyman Book Award in Canadian Naval and Maritime History
North American Society of Oceanic History (2012)
Finalist
Democracy 250 Atlantic Book Award for Historical Writing
(2013)
John Lyman Book Award in Canadian Naval and Maritime History
North American Society of Oceanic History (2012)
Finalist
Democracy 250 Atlantic Book Award for Historical Writing
(2013)
