Canada in Europe: Power, security and multilateral institutions

Between the two world wars, Canada participated in European security affairs as a small power. Following World War II, this participation was as a middle power. The end of the Cold War has brought another change in status: Canada is again a small power. Three main factors influence Canada's power status in European security affairs: the European-Canadian relationship, the reasons Canada has for participating in European security, and the resources allocated to participation. Applying these variables at the end of the Cold War shows that Europe does not perceive a need for Canadian involvement to be secure, that Canada emphasized cooperative security, and that this emphasis led to NATO being de-emphasized--a misjudgement of the continuing relevance of the institution. Moreover, the policy options offered by the recognized parties in the House of Commons will not change Canada's present power status.