In This Issue
The Cold War and post-Cold War periods continue to influence Canada’s role in global security. This issue examines how historical manipulation, especially by the Soviet Union and modern Russia, as well as wishful thinking, have obscured Canada’s contributions through NATO, NORAD, and other security alliances. As the Arctic emerges as a focal point in global competition, Canada’s strategic position is more critical than ever. Understanding our full historical role is essential for navigating the complex security challenges ahead.
1. Strategic Trends: Weaponizing History—How Nations Use the Past to Shape the Future
The Soviet Union’s official narrative of the “Great Patriotic War” downplayed the Western Allies’ contributions to World War II, particularly the invasions of North Africa, Italy, and Northwest Europe, and the crucial Lend-Lease aid. This distortion wasn’t incidental—it was state policy, aimed at elevating Soviet achievements while minimizing the broader Allied effort to win World War Two.
Today, Russia continues to weaponize history, framing its actions through a distorted lens of Soviet triumph and influence under the banner of Russkyi Mir. This narrative serves to justify territorial claims and delegitimize the sovereignty of neighbouring countries, using history as a strategic tool to support imperial ambitions.
Western accounts, though not perfect, are far closer to the truth, highlighting the collective effort in securing freedom during and after the war. As global attention turns to the Arctic, with nations like China eyeing its resources, these historical manipulations gain new importance. Canada must be ready to defend both its historical narrative and its strategic interests in this increasingly contested region.
2. Strategic Thought and Action: The Risks of Oversimplified Narratives
Canada’s Cold War role is too often reduced to peacekeeping, neglecting our critical involvement in NATO and NORAD. While peacekeeping became a defining part of Canada’s identity, we were also heavily engaged in military alliances that ensured the security of the West. This fuller picture is essential to understanding Canada’s strategic value.
Simplifying our history to peacekeeping alone undermines our readiness to meet today’s security challenges. NORAD has been central to North American defence since its inception and is becoming even more crucial as the Arctic gains prominence as a global cockpit for major powers. Canada’s geographic position makes it a key player in defending this vital region.
As the Arctic opens to increased military and economic activities, we must draw on the lessons of our Cold War alliances. The complexities of global security demand that Canada embrace its full strategic legacy, not just myths about its peacekeeping past, to remain relevant on the world stage.
3. Focus on Canada: Reclaiming Canada’s Strategic Narrative
Canada’s contributions to global security extend far beyond peacekeeping. During the Cold War, our involvement in NATO and NORAD was vital to containing Soviet threats and protecting North American airspace. This broader role must be acknowledged to strengthen Canada’s current position in global defence.
The Arctic is now a key focus of geopolitical interest, and Canada’s geographic location makes it a major stakeholder. NORAD has long played a crucial role in defending this region, but the increasing presence of nations like China, building up icebreaker fleets to access Arctic resources, demands greater attention.
Canada’s renewed commitment to NATO and support for Ukraine signal a shift toward a more active defence role. However, to fully reclaim its strategic narrative, Canada must recognize its long-standing military contributions, not just its peacekeeping legacy. This comprehensive understanding will bolster our influence in an increasingly competitive world.
4. Economic Power in Defence: The Cost of Historical Amnesia
Canada’s Cold War industrial base was essential to its defense capabilities, especially through NATO and NORAD. Yet, after the Cold War, defense investment declined as the peacekeeping narrative took over, leaving Canada ill-prepared for today’s challenges, particularly in the Arctic.
The Arctic’s growing strategic importance requires a robust defence and industrial capacity. China’s increasing interest in Arctic resources underscores the need for Canada to modernize its infrastructure and military presence. The National Shipbuilding Strategy, though flawed in some respects, is a step in the right direction, but more is needed to secure our northern borders and sovereignty.
Rebuilding Canada’s defense-industrial base is essential for our long-term security. We cannot rely on outdated peacekeeping narratives to guide our national defence strategy in the face of modern threats. Economic strength and military readiness must go hand-in-hand to safeguard our future.
5. Conclusion: Rewriting Canada’s Cold War Legacy
Canada’s Cold War contributions were much broader than peacekeeping missions. Through NATO and NORAD, we played a critical role in defending the West from Soviet expansion, with our participation in military alliances ensuring both European and North American security.
As the Arctic becomes a central battleground in global competition, it is vital to understand the full scope of Canada’s Cold War role. NORAD, in particular, has been a key player in Arctic defense, a role that will only grow as the region’s strategic importance increases. Our ability to protect our northern territory will depend on acknowledging this deeper history.
Recognizing Canada’s multifaceted Cold War legacy is crucial for preparing for the future. Simplified narratives won’t suffice in today’s complex security landscape. Canada’s leadership in NATO, NORAD, and Arctic defense must be built on a clear understanding of our past contributions and future responsibilities.
Further Reading
• Sean Maloney, Canada and UN Peacekeeping: Cold War by Other Means, 1945-1970
• Sean Maloney, Learning to Love the Bomb: Canada’s Nuclear Weapons During the Cold War
• Sean Maloney, “Global Mobile I & II,” Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Bulletin
• Joseph T. Jockel, Canada in NORAD, 1957-2007: A History
• Whitney Lackenbauer, The Canadian Rangers: A Living History
© 2024 Richard Martin
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