Canada, Nation Branding and Domestic Politics

This insightful book examines the dynamics of Canada’s global branding and domestic politics, particularly under Justin Trudeau's leadership.

This book delves into the intricate relationship between the articulated visions of Canada as a global actor, nation branding, and domestic politics. It provides a political context for understanding 'Brand Canada' during the Trudeau era, highlighting the challenges and implications of branding in a complex political landscape. Originally published as a special issue of the Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, it offers a comprehensive examination of how these elements interact and influence each other.

Following Justin Trudeau's unexpected victory in the 2015 federal election, he proclaimed that 'Canada was back' on the world stage. This volume critically examines the implications of this statement, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with the politicization of Canada's branding. The authors scrutinize the Trudeau government's embrace of political branding, exploring its impact on essential areas such as relations with Indigenous peoples, social media, digital diplomacy, and the often-overlooked Arctic region, which is vital to Canada's identity.

The book poses significant questions about whether the Trudeau administration has truly fulfilled its promise of revitalizing Canada's global presence. It highlights the challenges that arise when governments present optimistic visions for transformation but fail to enact meaningful change. Canada, Nation Branding and Domestic Politics will be particularly valuable for students and scholars of political science, especially those focused on Canadian studies.