ABSTRACT
Canada’s post-war international policy has been deeply shaped by atlanticism – a multi-faceted connection to NATO. NATO considerations drove much Canadian post-war defence planning, starting with a rearmament programme after a significant post-war demobilisation. Although Canadian peacekeeping efforts often receive greater place of pride in Canada’s public consciousness, the preponderance of Canadian military activity during the Cold War centred on NATO duties. The end of the Cold War coincided with Canada’s embrace of fiscal discipline and decreases in defence budgets made a significant contribution to government-wide spending reductions that started in 1989. Canada’s convoluted stance towards Russia has complicated the nation’s support for collective defence through NATO and created a curious dynamic. Through NATO, Canada is a strong supporter of the security of Northern Europe due to its concern for collective defence and links with Europe.
