So Near Yet So Far
The Public and Hidden Worlds of Canada–US Relations
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of British Columbia Press
Published:1st Nov '12
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A compelling look at the public and hidden worlds of Canada–US relations, particularly since 9/11.
This book provides an in-depth look at the multiple dimensions of Canada–US relations in the areas of politics, security, trade, and energy, with a particular emphasis on the period since 9/11.
How do politicians, diplomats, and interest groups negotiate the tangled web of Canada–US relations? So Near Yet So Far provides in-depth look at the multiple dimensions of this complex relationship, especially in the period since 9/11.
Based on almost 200 interviews with current and former government policy makers, opinion-shapers, and interest group leaders in both countries, the book analyzes the motives and mechanics of managing cross-border relations at several levels, including political-strategic, trade-commercial, cultural-psychological, and institutional-procedural. A concluding chapter assesses the implications of current policy trends for Canada’s foreign and international economic policies.
So Near Yet So Far will be of interest and value to practitioners, scholars, and citizens of both countries who want a better understanding of how the Canada–US relationship works – and can be made to work more effectively. Balanced and fair in its analysis, it gets to the core issues without distorting perspectives on either side of the border.
Geoffrey Hale’s So Near Yet So Far offers an original look at the public and behind-the-scenes work of Canada-US relations, but it’s probably not a pool-side read for a holiday vacation. Hale’s informative work reads more like a textbook, suited for the trade, foreign policy, and energy and resource buffs…[it] is a thoughtfully-organized read, using short chapters, concise lists and tightly-written conclusions to drive Hale’s points home.
-- Michelle Zilio * iPolitics *Hale has…composed a thorough assessment of what he calls: “the three dimensions of Canada–U.S. Relations”; the political and procedural elements of the relationship; and a detailed examination of four policy fields. Highly recommended. * Inside Queen’s Park Newsletter, For Your Bookshelf *
So Near Yet So Far invites readers to rethink our relationship with an open mind, stripped of smugness or “ideological agendas.”
-- Holly Doan * Blacklock's Reporter *Hale’s book is a useful commentary on the history of the bilateral relationship, and an often insightful analysis of recent and current issues…overall, an informative study of an important relationship. -- G.A. McBeath, University of Alaska Fairbanks * Choice, Vol 50, No 6 *
His research is comprehensive and his understanding of both countries impressive, his drafting crystalline and at times engagingly witty…he addresses with great sophistication, and amusingly, the political-strategic, trade-commercial and the psychological cultural dimensions of a relationship that has always risked inspiring fear and loathing in Canada and indifference and neglect in the United States…he is excellent on the challenges Canada faces in engaging key U.S. actors, including the administration of the day and Congress, and the instruments Canada has developed to promote its interests in the United States…Hale’s is a “must read” for any new provincial premier in Canada (and relevant political and bureaucratic colleagues).
-- David Malone * Literary Review of Cana- Commended for The Hill Times List of Top 100 Best Books for 2012 (Canada).
ISBN: 9780774820424
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 640g
440 pages