Canada as a peninsula state: Conceptualizing the emerging geopolitical landscape in the 21st century

• Published in: International Journal: Canada's Journal of Global Policy Analysis
• Main Author: Kawasaki, Tsuyoshi
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2019
• Subjects: Arctic; Canada
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0020702019874798; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0020702019874798; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/0020702019874798

An unprecedented geopolitical landscape, driven by the reduction of Arctic ice and the rise of China as “a Polar power,” is emerging. What does this mean for Canada, and how should Canada respond to it in a systematic and strategic manner? We need a coherent and holistic conceptual framework to answer these key policy questions. Yet, the current literatures do not offer us such a concept. In an attempt to fill the void, this article presents a vision that conceives of Canada as “a peninsula state” exposed to great power politics in its vicinity, involving China as a rising power as well as the United States and Russia as resident powers. Furthermore, it argues that Canada should be prepared for three kinds of strategic dynamics as it enters the game of great power politics: theatre-linkage tactics and wedge-driving tactics vis-à-vis China and Russia, as well as quasi-alliance dilemma with the United States. Moreover, in order for Canada to cope with this complex international environment effectively, this article calls for creating a cabinet-level unit to coordinate various federal bureaucracies’ foreign and security policies.