In Canada and the United States: Ambivalent Allies, the authors explore the complex two-century relationship between Canada and its southern neighbour. From early nineteenth-century tensions under British influence to the rise of bilateral institutions between the world wars, this book illuminates how cooperation and skepticism coexisted in shaping North American affairs.
Chapters on the World War II and Cold War eras reveal how economic interests and shared anti-Communist stances forged a strategic alliance, yet laid bare the imbalances in cultural influence and public perception. The period from 1960 to 1984 earns the subtitle Ambivalent Allies, as continental unity fractured under political and social pressures before realigning in the 1980s.
Through detailed narrative and analysis, this volume brings to light:
- Key bilateral institutions and diplomatic milestones
- Evolving economic ties and trade agreements
- Cultural stereotypes and national narratives
- The persistent asymmetry of public interest and policy
Ideal for students of political history and anyone interested in international relations, this scholarly work offers a balanced perspective on why ambivalence has defined the Canada–U.S. partnership and how it continues to influence both nations today.
