In 2015 the Harper era in Canadian foreign policy was over, suggesting a return to the priorities of a gentler, more cooperative Liberal governments. But was the Harper era really so different? And if so, why? This comprehensive analysis of Canada’s foreign policy during this era addresses these very questions. The chapters, written by leading scholars and analysts of Canadian politics, provide an excellent overview of foreign policy in a number of different policy areas. They also come to a surprising conclusion as to whether the transition from a minority to majority government in 2011 shaped the way the Harper Conservatives conceived of, developed, and implemented international policy.

Adam Chapnick est directeur adjoint de l’éducation au Collège des Forces canadiennes et professeur agrégé des études de la défense au Collège militaire royal du Canada. Ses domaines de recherche comprennent l’histoire politique et la politique étrangère du Canada ainsi que l’enseignement et l’apprentissage. M. Chapnick est l’auteur de plusieurs ouvrages. M. Chapnick poursuit ses recherches sur l’histoire des expériences canadiennes au Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies.

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The Harper Era is an important first look at nearly a decade of Canadian foreign policy that will likely, and deservedly, be the standard work on foreign policy in this period, just as Nelson Michaud and Kim Richard Nossal’s Diplomatic Departures is the principle book on Brian Mulroney’s handling of foreign affairs. Until the archives have opened, 30 years hence, persons interested in this controversial and complicated period in Canadian foreign policy would be well advised to consult this collection.

International Journal, Vol. 72 No. 1, March 2017

Adam Chapnick and Christopher Kukucha [present] a more nuanced reality [of Harper’s foreign policy]: that while there was an impulse on Harper’s part to deviate from the norm, external and systemic factors, like the Canadian economy, American policy and the dynamics of the international community, ensured that Canada’s foreign policy under Harper wasn’t as much of an aberration as some might think.

opencanada.org, January 2017