Read more
Written from the balanced perspective of a Canadian scholar living and working in the United States, this book presents the first scholarly investigation of Canadian policy interests in Central America. Jonathan Lemco examines Canada's sizable interest in Central America and helps fill a gap in the literature on Canada's foreign policy. The book offers a rare look at not only Canada's Central American policy goals but how these goals relate to Canadian-U.S. relations and Latin American politics. Lemco concludes that the Canadian government does want to help encourage the peace process, reduce economic inequality, and promote social justice in Central America. He points out that Canada's Central American policy, particularly its modest support for Nicaragua, allows it to retain a measure of independence from the United States. Historically, Canada's Central American policy is in some ways substantially different from U.S. policy in the region.
The book begins with a look at Canada's transition from a country that until recently had little interest in Central America to its present position as a supplier of economic aid to the region. Lemco investigates Canada's relationship with the Organization of American States as well as Canadian commercial ties with Central America. The final chapters discuss Canada's developmental aid and the search for Central American peace. Students of Canadian foreign policy or Latin American studies, as well as the lay reader interested in Canada's relationship with Central America, will find Canada and the Crisis in Central America a valuable resource.
List of contents
Introduction
Canada and Central America: The Transition from Ignorance to Concern
Canadian Foreign Policy and Central America: Is There a Legitimate Role to Play?
Canada and the OAS
Canadian Investment and Trading Ties with Central America
Canadian Government Developmental Aid to Central America
Finding Peace in Central America: The Promise and the Reality
Canada and the Peacekeeping Process in Central America
Canadian Pressure Groups, Nongovernmental Organizations and the Effort to Promote Human Rights in Central America
Conclusion
Appendixes
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the author
Jonathan Lemco
