In the age of resurgent civilization states and atrophying American hegemony, anglospheric coordination and cooperation makes sense. But only if we understand it in civilizational terms.
I really liked this piece. I think this is the sort of new thinking on international matters that Canada needs that we previously talked about. Certainly the last couple of years seem to emphasize that its not all about economics and relative living standards. There's more to the world, and to Canadian interests abroad, than money and trade. I'm not certain that political leadership, or most within the civil service, are at the point of thinking in these sorts of terms, or even recognizing the need to incorporate it within a broader analysis.
I think the idea of further cultural exchanges between the four countries, and broadening anglo away from just British is a good one, though something that probably has to take place not just at a national/sub-national level but also among social/community groups, educational institutions, and others.
Perhaps as there is greater recognition that American interests aren't going to neatly line up with our own, even if there is a leadership change there, will encourage casting about for new lenses through which to approach the world. There just seems to be deep public/political reluctance to seriously think about the implications of a world where we can't depend on the US for all our needs. Something I hope that can be overcome soon, because we may end up being left behind...
Anglos aren't going to stop peddling influence with liberal ngos & evangelism or trying to award legitimacy to leaders/policies in the third world.
With an increasing number of immigrants from the former colonies, what binding identity will this CANZUK union have except cultural liberalism and/or glorifying the empire?
Either one is a dead end. The socio-economic profile of most immigrants doesn't make it likely they'll shift en masse to right wing, nativist parties.
I really liked this piece. I think this is the sort of new thinking on international matters that Canada needs that we previously talked about. Certainly the last couple of years seem to emphasize that its not all about economics and relative living standards. There's more to the world, and to Canadian interests abroad, than money and trade. I'm not certain that political leadership, or most within the civil service, are at the point of thinking in these sorts of terms, or even recognizing the need to incorporate it within a broader analysis.
I think the idea of further cultural exchanges between the four countries, and broadening anglo away from just British is a good one, though something that probably has to take place not just at a national/sub-national level but also among social/community groups, educational institutions, and others.
Perhaps as there is greater recognition that American interests aren't going to neatly line up with our own, even if there is a leadership change there, will encourage casting about for new lenses through which to approach the world. There just seems to be deep public/political reluctance to seriously think about the implications of a world where we can't depend on the US for all our needs. Something I hope that can be overcome soon, because we may end up being left behind...
Anglos aren't going to stop peddling influence with liberal ngos & evangelism or trying to award legitimacy to leaders/policies in the third world.
With an increasing number of immigrants from the former colonies, what binding identity will this CANZUK union have except cultural liberalism and/or glorifying the empire?
Either one is a dead end. The socio-economic profile of most immigrants doesn't make it likely they'll shift en masse to right wing, nativist parties.