Introduction

A major concern for most nations is to maintain and safeguard their right to decide for themselves what should happen within their own borders. The government must exercise full national control. Therefore, a major goal for most nations is to avoid external control, interference, or influence by a foreign power. In principle one can distinguish between two alternative approaches or instruments for enhancing national security in order to ensure national jurisdiction, guard against political or military interference, and reduce foreign influence to the minimum which is compatible with the national interests. Alignment and nonalignment are at opposite poles, each serving as instruments to safeguard the nation’s security. Some observers of Western security policies see the 1983 Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces deployment crisis as a turning point in intra-alliance relations. Compared to the other countries in the sample, the Canadian case seemed unique yet equally intriguing. This country had been instrumental in initiating the alliance.