Synopses & Reviews
How do politicians, diplomats, and interest groups negotiate thetangled web of Canada-US relations?
So Near Yet So Farprovides in-depth look at the multiple dimensions of this complexrelationship, especially in the period since 9/11. It bridges thetraditional gap between academic perspectives and those of diplomatic,policy, and government relations professionals to explore both thesimilarities and very significant differences between the two countriespolitical systems and why both matter to anyone trying to understand orinfluence policy outcomes in both countries.
Based on almost 200 interviews with current and former governmentpolicy makers, opinion-shapers, and interest group leaders in bothcountries, the book analyzes the motives and mechanics of managingcross-border relations at several levels, includingpolitical-strategic, trade-commercial, cultural-psychological, andinstitutional-procedural. A concluding chapter assesses theimplications of current policy trends for Canada's foreign andinternational economic policies.
So Near Yet So Far will be of interest and value topractitioners, scholars, and citizens of both countries who want abetter understanding of how the Canada-US relationship works- and can be made to work more effectively. Balanced and fair inits analysis, it gets to the core issues without distortingperspectives on either side of the border.
Geoffrey Hale is a professor of political science atthe University of Lethbridge.
Review
The American political system is tough for non-Americans to navigate, even for the millions of Canadians who live right next door. With
So Near Yet So Far, Geoffrey Hale, one of our foremost experts on Canada-US relations, has produced a first-rate analysis of the successes and failures of recent Canadian diplomacy in the US. This book ought to be required reading for Canadian diplomats, indeed for any reader wondering why issues such as mad cow disease, softwood lumber, or border security seem like such intractable problems.
- Greg Anderson, co-editor of Forgotten Partnership Redux: Canada-U.S. Relations in the 21st Century
Review
So Near Yet So Far is both comprehensive and detailed ... the concluding chapter is an excellent finale to a book which is so strong on analysis ... a marvelously researched work, based on a most impressive number of interviews. It represents an excellent manual or handbook for any scholar or practitioner desirous of working the Canada-US relationship.
- Michael Kergin, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States
Review
So Near Yet So Far provides an original and perceptive analysis of the frequently commented on, yet superficially analyzed, Canada-US relationship. In a book that brims with insider insights, Geoffrey Hale argues that relations between the two countries are as much localized (provincial to state) as federalized. It sets a new standard for publication in this field.
- Ross Burkhart, co-author of Turmoil in American Public Policy: Science, Democracy, and the Environment
Review
Outstanding in virtually every respect,
So Near Yet So Far promises to become a mainstream text in the areas of Canada-US relations, Canadian foreign policy, and comparative Canada-US political institutions. It will also be a respected source among scholars interested in doing further research in these areas. Clear and very well written, this is a scholarly book that
reads.
- Charles Doran, author of Why Canadian Unity Matters and Why Americans Care: Democratic Pluralism at Risk
Synopsis
So Near Yet So Far provides an in-depth look at the multipledimensions of Canada-US relations, particularly since 9/11. Basedon almost 200 interviews with policy makers, opinion-shapers, andinterest group leaders in both countries, this book considers theinteraction of domestic and cross-border politics at several levels,including political-strategic, trade-commercial,cultural-psychological, and institutional-procedural. It will appeal topractitioners, scholars, and citizens of both countries who want abetter understanding of how the Canada-US relationship works- and can be made to work more effectively. Balanced and fair, itgets to the core issues without distorting perspectives on either sideof the border.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction: The Elephant and the Beaver- Proximity and Distance in Perspective
Part 1: Three Dimensions of Canada-USRelations
2 Guns, Globes, and Gardening: ThePolitical-Strategic Dimension
3 Multi-Level Games: TheTrade-Commercial Dimension
4 Neighbo(u)rs, Friends, and Strangers: ThePsychological-Cultural Dimension
Part 2: Tactics and Strategies - Political andProcedural Dimensions
5 Governing from the Centre? Political andPolicy Coordination in the Management of Canada-US Relations
6 Network Diplomacy: Engaging the ExecutiveBranch
7 Canada and Congress
8 Canadian Public Diplomacy in the UnitedStates: Promoting Canadian Interests, Fostering Networks ofInterest
9 Beyond the Beltway: Federalism,Regionalism, and Cross-Border Relations
Part 3: Specific Policy Fields
10 Smart Borders or Thicker Borders? Homeland Securityand Public Safety Policies
11 Security, Facilitation, and the Border: StrategicDrift, Operational Segmentation
12 "Just a Trade Dispute?" Proximity andDistance from Different Perspectives
13 Shared Energy, Shared Energies? Engaging AmericanEnergy Policies in a North American Context
14 Conclusion: Managing Bilateral Relations in anEvolving North America
Notes
Bibliography
Index