The political economy of Canadian foreign policy in Vietnam

• Main Author: Levant, Victor
• Other Authors: Noumoff, Sam (Supervisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1981
• Subjects: Canada > Foreign relations > Vietnam; Vietnam > Foreign relations > Canada; Canada > Politics and government > 1945-1980
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=39204

This thesis seeks to determine the nature and character of Canada's foreign policy towards Vietnam. === Dependent upon Southeast Asian stability for strategic resources, a merchandise surplus and the expansion of the American economy, Canada also benefitted directly through increased exports of staple goods, automotive parts and war material. === Ottawa's record on the International Control Commissions was characterized by partisan voting, complicity in the violation of the Geneva and Paris Agreements and the rationalization of Washington's strategy. === Canadian aid, dispensed only to Saigon, was a co-ordinated part of American pacification programs. === The purpose of Ottawa's policy was to ensure the permanent division of Vietnam while the ultimate intention and consequence was to legitimate the U.S. intervention. Underlying Ottawa's decision-making was Canada's integration into the world market system and the unequal, albeit voluntary, alliance between the economic elites of Canada and the United States.