The paradox of Canada's regional engagement: Rethinking Canadian defence strategy in the Asia-Pacific region

Canada's geographical connection with the Pacific Ocean and its expanding interests in the region dictate that regional insecurity will inadvertently reverberate to the nation's shores. Has Ottawa effectively employed its defence assets in support of its regional interests? Is there an effective match between the state's regional security policy and its defence strategy? If not, how can these assets actively promote Canada's policy of sustained regional stability and protect its national security vis-a-vis the Asia-Pacific region? The answers lie in the development of a regionally-tailored strategy that incorporates the historical, cultural, and political dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.This thesis assesses how Canada has used its armed forces to support its foreign and security policy in Asia-Pacific, based on an analysis of Ottawa's policy declarations and actual defence initiatives via this strategically significant region. The primary focus will be on the Post-Cold War era; to analyze whether the state has approached regional security interests effectively and if it is sufficiently prepared to meet future challenges. It is proposed that lucrative regional engagement in Asia-Pacific is dependent on credible military presence and Canada's adoption of its geopolitical predilection for a maritime-based strategy. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...