Decoding: Canadian Diplomacy

by Apathy is Boring — April 26, 2010

Though not visible from space, numerous borders have been drawn across the world map by the differences between groups of people. These could be related to history, geography, culture,or economy. Sometimes these differences are just reasons for trivial rivalries to flare up but in some cases they may cause international crises that often involve atrocious acts of brutality against humanity and the planet. Diplomacy is the most powerful tool the world has to solve such disagreements.

The Beginning

World War II was a turning point for Canada's international diplomacy involvement. Under the direction of who would later become our 14th Primer Minister, Lester B. Pearson, Canada had a key role in the creation of the United Nations, NATO and the UN's role in peacekeeping operations. Prime Minister Pearson's efforts in early UN conflict solving made he and Canada emerge with distinction, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize and Canada a top spot on the world stage plus worldwide recognition as a friendly and humane nation.

The Present
As the years have passed, Canada has maintained it's international stature and importance when it concerns international diplomacy and mediation. Despite the fact that Canada does not have a very big population and our military is relatively small, our involvement in international affairs through diplomacy, humanitarian aid and financial support has been very beneficial and effective. One of the reasons that Canada is still a key player on the world stage is that we are part of multilateral organizations such as the G8, La Francophonie, NATO, Common Wealth Nations and The United Nations. Such ties help us work with other countries to achieve common goals to better our world.

Canada and the United Nations

Working with the UN is probably one of the most productive and successful ways we have been able to make a difference in the world. Canada consistently brings practical ideas and solutions to the table, from peacekeeping proposals in the 1950s, to creating the International Criminal Court and banning landmines in the 1990s. Today, some of Canada's current goals are to assist war-affected children, or to improve the UN’s management and rationalize the work of its agencies.

Get involved

Our country's commitment to aid humanitarian efforts and achieve global peace should make us proud to be Canadians. Here is more information about how Canada helps the UN and what our policies are on individual topics such as peace and security, human rights, and the environment. Check it out here.

Source:'Lester Pearson’s Role in the UN & FAO' - United Nations Association in Canada